Ornithological Summary September 2018
RSPB Rainham Marshes:
September was mostly about the Thames with the marsh itself still being incredibly dry. Amongst the tern species Arctic was surprisingly the most numerous with at least 145 up river including high counts of 43 (21st) and 36 (22nd). Common Terns were actually quite scarce and a handful of Sandwich and singles of Black (4th) and Roseate (23rd) made for some good days. There were several Med and Caspian Gull sightings and a Little Gull was seen on the 21st. An Arctic Skua was seen on the 5th and four lumbering Bonxies loafed on the river on the 23rd. The following day four juvenile Gannets made their way up towards the City following the A13!
Gannets - HTV
Great White Egrets were seen on the 6th, 11th and 28th and another immature Spoonbill was seen on the 25th.
Great White Egret - Tom Bell
Waders were largely confined to the Thames with two Knot (12th), Little Stint (14th-17th) being the highlights although the Pectoral Sandpiper found with two Ruff on the 23rd on the freshly wet Tringa Pool was popular until the 30th.
Pectoral Sandpiper - Andy Tweed
Wildfowl were scarce with a couple of Pintail and Wigeon arriving but six Pink-feet high and west on the 23rd were a surprise. A young male Merlin was seen on the 8th with a female on the 17th and 18th.
Merlin - Barry Jackson
Juvenile Hobbies were seen till mid-month and likewise young Peregrine were making more frequent visits. At least four Marsh Harriers were floating around including a Norfolk wing-tagged youngster and an Osprey was seen on the 22nd. Buzzard passage was noted on four days with 11 (1st), 10 (6th), 16 (15th) and 26 (29th). The Ravens started to visit again and the first Short-eared Owl was seen on the 25th.
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer