Just a quick note to say thank you to all the birders (there were nearly 1200 of you by the way) who visited RSPB Rainham Marshes today and helped me make car parking nice and easy. Everyone read the signs, parked close together, did not park in the passing places, did not race in, abandon cars and leg it but waited patiently for me to find everyone a space. There were already ten cars there when I arrived at ten past six...
My volunteers down at the landfill site reported that behaviour was very good with only two birders of some repute trespassing dangerously onto the tip. Let's hope that this does not jeopardise the work of the Gull Ringing Group with Veolia. The birder from Leicester for whom an ambulance was called is fine.
It was just a pity that the Slaty Backed Gull did not play ball today but the winter is young and I would like to think that you will all get another shot at this great bird.
Thanks also to my team of volunteers and the staff who were working today or specially came in at my request, who had a manic afternoon as the masses returned for a cuppa.
I shall open again tomorrow at 0700 as although the landfill is closed on a Sunday, the gulls tend to come in early doors, loaf around for a bit and then disperse to the Thames and marsh.
Probably see some of you for round two tomorrow!
H ;o)
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer
Great news Howard about a sighting of such a rare bird
It has taken a lot of people to take an interest, and bless you and all the hard work you have done to support the number of people who have visited your area
I still see that there is a number of people talking about the same subject on the Bird Forum at this moment of time.
Anyway - hope that the bird is still around yet - but you never know
Regards
Kathyx
Well done Howard, well organised parking, did not see the Gull, however had a good couple of hours as always at Rainham. Hoping it maybe around on Wednesday when I will visit again.
roncol