It started off such a nice day but the steadily deteriorating weather had me preoccupied with whether or not to continue with the Big Wild Sleepout. As such I was most pleased to get a cryptic message from Max Hellicar about an interesting wader on Purfleet Scrape. A two minute walk and one very nice Pectoral Sandpiper was seen creeping furtively around the edges of the pool with it distinctive breast band and yellowy legs. 

Max's Finders picture...

John Ferguson

It showed well on and off all afternoon and drew in a nice collection of local birders...

Even Brian Churches cracked a smile as pointed out by Les....

Tom Bell...

There were plenty of other good birds seen during the day despite the rain...

Saturday 29th July 2017

  • RSPB Rainham Marshes: ad Pectoral Sandpiper, juv Garganey, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 4 Green Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, Greenshank, 3 Whimbrel, Curlew, 24 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard, 2 Hobbies, 120 Linnet, 150 Goldfinch, 5 Yellow wagtail, Grey Wagtail

The Garganey is intriguing as it appears to be a slightly downy juvenile so I am wondering if it is one of the tiny chicks seen on the 30 June? It would be nice to think so...

Another find by Max....

Howard Vaughan, Information Officer