25/01/2015 Shellness means Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls

Sunday 25th January 2015
Shellness
East Grinstead RSPB Group

On a fine crisp January morning, 14 of us made the trip to Shellness.  The lighting was excellent with little or no cloud.

• I arrived early and was rewarded with two superb views of a Short-eared Owl; maybe the same bird twice but my gut reaction was that it was 2 birds.

• Early on I saw a male Hen Harrier,  50 metres west of the concrete structure,  and soon after the rest of the group were able to see it as it took to the air.  We were entertained by this bird for quite some time.  Later on we managed to spot a "Ringtail" in the distance but the views were nowhere as good.

• The other sightings were quite standard but, nevertheless, most welcome including Reed Bunting, Shelduck, Lapwing, Marsh Harrier, Black-headed Gull, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Little Egret, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Brent Goose, Tufted Duck, Woodpigeon, Robin and Magpie.

All too soon it was time to bid farewell to The Isle of Sheppey and turn into a football hooligan at noon. 

Shaun rang me in the evening to reassure me that I had not missed much in the afternoon - Corn Buntings but no Hen Harriers or Short-eared Owls at Capel Fleet.

 

 

 

 

Another good birding experience on Sheppey!