RSPB Rainham Marshes January Summary
The two White-fronted Geese lingered till the 6th along with a Barnacle Goose but the generally mild weather precluded much immigration. A Brent Goose was seen on the 17th and the Bittern reappeared on the 24th. Kittiwakes were a feature on the Thames with the first three days of 2014 producing 77 birds with singles on several other dates. An adult Little Gull (30th) and several Yellow-legs and Meds livened things up and a juvenile Iceland Gull was seen on the 27th.
At least eight different Caspian Gulls were seen including a well travelled Polish youngster. A Great White Egret flew through on the 12th and five Little Egrets were on site. Wader numbers were stable with a few extras including the wintering Spotted Redshank, two male Ruff, two Turnstone, an early Oystercatcher, Avocet, Woodcock and Jack Snipe.
Up to five Marsh Harriers are lingering and Buzzard and Peregrine activity was up. A ringtail Hen Harrier flew through on the 20th and the female Merlin was seen a couple of times. A Short-eared Owl was seen on the 4th and 19th. Small birds were few and far between with two Lapland Buntings and Yellowhammer in the first week, an elusive Black Redstart, a Brambling (22nd) and the odd sightings of the Bearded Tits.
Seven Common and the Bull Grey Seal have been seen and Weasels, Stoats and Water Voles have all been active while several Peacock and Small Tortoiseshells have been seen on the wing.
Cracking shot be Lee Spence of 'Kes' who now resides down by Tilda Rice....
5-2-14