13/11/2014 Hen Harriers, Merlin and lots of Marsh Harriers on The Isle of Sheppey.

Thursday 13th November 2014
Isle of Sheppey

Brian and I made the long trip north to the Isle Of Sheppey in the Thames Estuary.  We were after birds of prey today, starting at Shellness about 11.00 then relocating to Capel Fleet for the roost at 14.30.  We managed to watch some waders from the concrete bunker for about an hour after lunch.

• Brian found the "bird of the week" when he spotted a male Hen Harrier emerging from a vegetable patch onto the marsh at Shellness around 11.00.  We enjoyed 10 minutes or so of this majestic raptor as it moved low over the ground towards the Swale.  One of my hopes for the week was to show Brian  this bird but I expected it to be in the Ashdown Forest, near my home, and not in Kent.  He was as delighted as was I!  An hour later from the H1 hide I spotted a Ring-tailed Hen Harrier in virtually the same place, this bird also showing well for several minutes before flying off over the dyke and out of sight.  From the same hide we also saw several Marsh Harriers, Geese, a Heron and many passerines.

Male Hen Harrier
Library picture

• Next stop was the concrete bunker to spot waders on the River Swale.  The predominant bird here was the Oystercatcher but there were also good numbers of Gull, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Turnstone and Sanderling. 

• We relocated to Capel Fleet where we soon saw a superb Merlin on the pile of hay bales close to the viewing area - a truly amazing experience.  This was the first of several excellent views and the second day in succession where we were priviliged to be in the company of this prize bird of prey. 

Merlin flying
Library picture

 

Merlin
Library picture

• Marsh Harriers were abundant and around 16.00 we saw 20+ in the distance near Elmley Marsh.  Just before we called it a day we saw the Short-eared Owl flying towards us in the fading light - not the best of views but a welcome sight and another 15 minutes of joy.

Short-eared Owl
Library picture

Today's species list:
Stonechat
Robin
Meadow Pipit
Skylark
Starling
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Collared Dove
Woodpigeon
Pheasant   (10)
Grey Plover
Dunlin
Sanderling
Turnstone
Oystercatcher
Curlew
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Coot
Little Grebe   (20)
Greylag Goose
Brent Goose
Mute Swan
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Cormorant
Short-eared Owl
Merlin
Kestrel   (30)
Hen Harrier
Marsh Harrier
Buzzard




Final species count for this visit = 102   SUPERB!

• A fitting final day, with Brian spotting, for himself, his first ever male Hen Harrier. 

• Overall we have had a super four days and seen a range of birds with quite a lot that would not be found in Cumbria to where Brian returns tomorrow.