So, the last few days... sorry for the gap – Anyway, Saturday was wet and wild out on the reserve and the KBC battled around into the wind and biting rain but it was worth the effort with great views of some very smart Pintail on the pools and a couple of dapper Reed Buntings at the feeders in the woodland. Cetti’s Warblers sang despite the rain and although the Lapwings were doing lots of flying a round there was little in the way of shimmering in the poor light!
Reed Bunting - John Ferguson
Seeking refuge in the Butts Hide was a good move and within a few minutes we were treated to a spectacular performance by a huge falcon that swept in and began to terrorise everything on the Target Pools. It was clearly not a Peregrine and was at least half as big again with a wingspan approaching Buzzard. It was pale sandy brown with a slightly rustier rump, pale underside and underwings and an almost unmarked cream head.
It towered up and repeatedly stooped on everything from Lapwings, through a petrified Little Egret and even some normally unresponsive Shelduck. The Egret had to ditch itself in the water to evade capture and so after a few sorties it headed further out onto Wennington where three Marsh Harriers appeared to investigate until they too were given short shrift from this very angry or possibly just hungry bird of prey.
As to its identity, well, I suspect that despite the lack of any trailing jessies, that the bird is a falconers escape and the shape and plumage do not quite fit with any one species so I am going to plump with a firm favourite of Gyr x Saker. It dropped down onto the marsh and peace and quiet resumed for a few hours until the whole scene repeated itself and was visible even from inside the visitors centre!
The Gull Workshop down near the Concrete Barges went very well despite the weather and will run again next Saturday. The afternoon was equally productive with a fine Brambling being nonchalantly found under the feeders. She performed very well for the rest of the day and is still present today (Tuesday). This is the first one of the year and a welcome wintery addition to the list.
Brambling - HTV
We were still watching the Brambling when a call from Fraser Simpson had us heading for the Thamesview window as a Fulmar had just bobbed past his flat just into Purfleet. Two minutes later and this incredibly rare Rainham bird floated into view and up river much to everyone’s delight. We think that it is only the fourth record for the site.
Honestly... It is a Fulmar - HTV
To end the day up nicely Phil found an adult Med Gull loafing just offshore with the Black-headed Gulls...
Sunday was nicer weather wise but a lot quieter bird wise although the Dartford Warblers showed again and the Short-eared Owls came out to play in the sunshine.
Dartford Warbler - Trev Bird
and an atmospheric one from Ricky Blackman
Short-eared owl - Alasdair Wilcock
The Duck Workshop in the Butts Hide was a great success and the Wild Families activities attracted some keen youngsters to create some wild crafts and even make and decorate a nest box for their garden.
Isabel Foreman and her colourful box to match her outfit!
And this wonderful Kingfisher was painted on by eight year old Rebekah Lewis
Although I was not in Monday or today, all the messages seem to have been about lovely finches with some cracking shots of the Brambling as well as Chaffinches, Greenies, Goldies and even a couple of cute Lesser Redpolls.
Lesser Redpoll - Bob Cooper
Goldfinch - Lawrence Rogers
Greenfinch - Bob Cooper
Greenfinch - Mick Ladner
Brambling - Mick Ladner
I wonder what tomorrow will hold when I get back?