This morning was cool and very breezy and the wind had swung to the north west and so we were suitably delighted when three fine snowy white adult Whooper Swans touched down on the Butts Scrape. Whether they had come direct from Iceland or via a stop over in the north west somewhere, they were now paddling around to an appreciative crowd of mainly Midlands birders visiting us also from a north westerly direction for the day!

They were wary to start with but soon settled down and spent a few hours feeding before having a wel deserved snooze. We left them tere at dusk so with any luck they will still be there in the morning...

Just for a change all these ones are by me...


John Humble

Steve Young

Ryan Richardson


And this cracking video from Pat Hart

Sunday 29th October 2017

• RSPB Rainham Marshes: 3ad Whooper Swans, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 70 Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, 3 Curlew, 59 Dunlin, 86 Redshank, 167 Lapwing, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Grey Wagtails

Howard Vaughan, Information Officer