March 2016 Ornithological Summary
RSPB Rainham Marshes:
March is a funny month as winter wanes and spring attempts a frontal assault but this year things took their time getting going. Our winter residents stayed put with the Short-eared Owls (at least five) entertaining into April while the pair of Dartford Warblers were last seen on the 21st by which stage the male was in song. Most of our Stonechats departed at about the same time which was not really surprising. There was still some gull action to be had with Icelands on the 1st and 26th, Caspian (5th), several Med Gulls, a Little Gulls that nearly succumbed to the ‘interesting falcon’ (26th) and three Kittiwakes (30th). Brent Geese were seen on the 28th and 30th and a female Goldeneye on the 18th was a good find. The same day saw the first Scoter and our traditional late March run saw another 24 birds through before month end. Several other species are regular in late March as they move through and Merlin sightings increased and up to three Jack Snipe showed very well from the 13th along with three Ruff (16th). Firecrests on the 16th and 19th were not that surprising and even the elusive Great White Egret on the 23rd and 24th was almost expected. After one or two Sand Martins a few other migrants fought their way in before April including Swallow, House Martin, Wheatear (29th), White Wagtail and Black Redstart (both 30th), Little Ringed Plover (26th) and even Common Tern with four on the 30th. The Spotted Redshank was seen more often and Oystercatchers were back on patch while at least six Marsh Harriers continued to dominate the skies along with an impressive six sightings of Red Kites.
Kingfishers are settling down nicely - Zack Genetay
12-4-16