Ornithological Summary February 2023 Rainham Marshes

RSPB Rainham Marshes

February remained quite cold; the westerly airflow prevented any influx of newcomers. Duck and wader numbers were quite low for February. We have had a few highlights of the month. A male Hen Harrier was seen on the 4th which was a great find. We had a gyrfalcon on the reserve on the 8th, the visitors who spotted was extremely excited and got some wonderful photos. We had two sightings of the Bittern on the 26th and 27th. A pair of Short-eared Owls were seen a couple of times this month hunting, lovely photos taken by our visitors. We have two Barn Owls in the roosting box, we are hoping they will move to the nesting box. This was a concern when we were putting up the new nesting box that we might scare away the Barn Owl that was currently using the roosting box. Luckily, they have not been frightened away and we now have two Barn Owls in the same tree. Avocet reached 57, three Water Pipits around the pools. The Dartford Warbler was seen up until the 12th.along with the Firecrest.

Photo credit Paul Rigby