July 2008
Early evening at Oare marshes.
26/07/08
An Avocet arriving on the East flood this afternoon.
Learning that high tide would be around 6.30 ish this afternoon, I arrived at Oare marshes just before 4 o clock, and settled down with scope and camera, to see what the tide would shift on to the East flood. I saw a Little Stint straight away, feeding in amongst a large flock of Black-tailed Godwits, my first Little Stint of the year. All the usual species were present, and the Black-tailed Godwits and Avocets provided the photographers with several photo opportunities. Mike Gould arrived, and we stayed until 7 0clock, when the sun then started to drop away. There were several Greenshank noted, and 2 juvenile Redshank were seen, looking smart in there spotted juvenile plumage. The resting birds on the East flood were disturbed once, by a passing Sparrow-hawk, giving us chance to photograph some waders in flight, and a Short tailed Vole was seen, running up the road towards the car park. Steve Clinch pointed out two Garganey to the rear of the flood, and we all watched 2 flocks of Sandwich Terns fly over the Flood. Common Terns were also seen, along with Ruff, Black headed Gulls, and 7 Whimbrel, calling as they flew high over head.