August 2008
An afternoon at Oare Marshes.
04/08/08
A Black-tailed Godwit flying between the floods at Oare.
I finished work early today, so as the sun was shining, and high tide was late afternoon at Oare, I made my way to the reserve, but unfortunately, as I arrived, the sun departed, typical. I parked by the East Flood, and waited for the Waders to arrive onto the flood, as the tide came in. I noticed straight away 3 Curlew Sandpipers, and in amongst the legs of the approximately 600 Black-tailed Godwits, I counted 2 Little Stints, and about 12 Dunlin. There were probably more of each species, but with the high number of Godwits, it was difficult to count. Also noted were Golden Plover, Redshank, and quite a few Greenshank were feeding on the back edge of the East Flood. There were several Ruff present, with a few sporting coloured rings and flags to there legs, ??? And also noted were Grey Herons, Little Egret and wildfowl were made up of Teal, Mallard and a Shoveller. A Garganey was present, although I failed to see it, as it was over the back edge hugging the reed line. Two Hobbies, or possibly the same bird twice was seen, once dispersing Waders and Gulls as it passed low over the water on the East Flood. A Little Grebe was seen in the dyke in front of me, and I was able to photograph one of the 3 chicks, as it surfaced with a small fish. I was joined by Mike Gould, and the rest of my time was taken by trying to photograph Black-Tailed Godwits, as they flew around the reserve looking for the prime feeding spots. A rain shower at 4 o clock signalled a retreat to the car, and home for dinner.