RSPB Rainham Marshes:
Many of the good species from late September lingered into October with the Pectoral Sandpiper staying until the 10th and once again there was a fine selection of big white birds. The two Cattle Egrets became four on the 17th and five from the next day while Great White Egrets were seen on several dates with two on the 29th at least. A Spoonbill dropped in on the 9th and 10th and the East Tilbury White Stork circled on the 17th before heading back to its usual field. A single Brent Goose was noted from the 14th and 12 Egyptian Geese the same day was a site record while winter duck numbers increased with an unseasonably early high of 1600 Wigeon on the 23rd. A female Goosander flew to the river on the 22nd but the Thames was otherwise quiet with just a few Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls of note. Marsh Harriers were still on the reserve and there was a single Red Kite and ringtail Hen Harrier on the 17th and the first autumn Short-eared Owl was seen on the 12th. The 14th saw late Swallows and a Wheatear with a Sand Martin and Lesser Whitethroat on the 9th. A scattering of Bramblings, Siskins and Redpolls were amongst a steady trickle of Chaffinches and a fine male Dartford Warbler was found on the 9th and stayed into November just like a male Ring Ouzel from the 22nd. There were four more Ring Ouzel on the 12th but just a few small groups of Redwings and Song Thrush were seen. Bearded Tits and Ravens were daily favourites and Rock and Water Pipits were in by mid-month and at least ten squealing Water Rails were out on the trails late on the 16th.
Dartford Warbler - Russ Sherriff
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer