My word what a wet day today! I can imagine that the reserve was a little damp while I entertained myself in Bluewater... and for those of you not in the south-east that is not a local swimming pool...
The only news was off 11 Lapland Buntings from the Butts Hide and one of the male Marsh Harriers.
Anyway, I digress. Yesterday was another awesome day on the reserve with a host of good birds seen. It started well with a Lapland Bunting and two Corn Buntings down by the old Stone Barges early on, shortly followed by yet another two Waxwings through the car park by the center.
A good crowd turned up for the Wednesday Walk and within 30 seconds of leaving the building a Red Kite flopped into view over the new hide workings! I ran around like a loony trying to get everyone on this stunning bird and hollered down the radio for all eyes to the skies! It lethargically glided along the river wall before making its river crossing at Coldharbour Point. What a start!
The rest of the walk was not uneventful with both male Marsh Harriers, Peregrine, Caspian Gull, a huge flock of Greylags, Ruff, Dunlin and Golden Plover amongst the shimmering Lapwings, two Avocets in the bay and an assortment of winter dabblers. A calling Bullfinch and some Fieldfares in the woodland rounded off an excellent stroll!
The Blackcap was around again and Tony Coombs bettered Brenda's shot... (Sorry BC!) Then again he does have ALL the kit!
Pete Mitchelmore got some good shots today as well including some atmospheric Lapwings.
and a view of the current state of play with the new Purfleet Scrape Hide. It would appear to have the makings of sides now!
and last but not least, I could not resist the shot of our cock Pheasant that has been strutting his funky stuff underneath the feeders outside the main window. When you really look at a bird like this it ceases to be something common place and creates a whole new appreciative experience...
this one by Brenda