2nd June 2013 - Oare Marshes

It was a glorious day at Oare, although the temperature did drastically drop when the clouds were over so it was on and off with the jumper all day.  We usually find Oare pretty good for waders but there weren't that many around, just Avocet, Oystercatcher, a few Redshank and plenty of Black-tailed Godwit.

Snoozing Oystercatcher and Black-tailed Godwit

Oystercatcher yapping at each other
We go to Oare hoping to see Turtle Dove as it has proven a good place for them in the past.  This does unfortunately mean stopping the car for every semi-obscured/fluffed up/odd looking Collared Dove on the road up to the reserve.  Sigh.  Luckily, two other birders had spotted one just before the car park and here is the lovely birdie.

Turtle Dove
We also saw a lovely little Yellow Wagtail sitting happily on a wire and this Swallow landed right above us.

Swallow

I was amazed at the number of Little Egret around and also delighted by the lady who came up to us with an extremely old book which she had identified the Little Egret from.  The map in the book didn't have the UK included so she was very happy when we said the bird was definitely what she has thought!  There were a few Swift, a couple of Hobby and also a Kestrel.

Little Egret
Other notable birds were a few cygnets (or swanlets as I like to call them), gorgeous Marsh Harrier, Linnet and a well showing Sedge Warbler.  I say well showing, upon investigation, all my photos are out of focus.  Ha!  The Bearded Tit were on fine form with at least 3 showing and a lone Teal and a lone Shoveler were on the pools.  The main excitement of the day however was a lifer for us, and one which Stuart chose to not believe when I IDed it!  I spotted a tern from the hide that looked a lot smaller than a Common and just didn't feel right and so I thought it must be a Little Tern.  A lovely gentleman confirmed the ID later, so thank you for that!  We also had a year lister in the form of Mediterranean Gull, also spotted by the aforementioned gentleman so extra thanks!

Cantharis Rustica

Cygnets/swanlets

An amusing looking goose

Oldest flying Tiger Moth in the UK!

Trip list: 50
Year list: 164
Lifers of year list: 19

2 comments :

  1. Your post reminded me that I haven't been over to Oare Marshes for a while. Always a good location to see species fairly close.

    A vear decent trip list great to see your year list ticking along.

    P.S. You could also consider Grove Ferry (Stodmarsh) for Turtle Dove and of course plenty of Hobby and Marsh Harriers.

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    1. Thank you for your comment, I always find Oare a great trip. I've never actually been to Stodmarsh - definitely one to put on the to do list.

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