08/02/2015 Super Isle of Sheppey Outing - Hooded Crow, Richard's Pipit, Bearded Tits and Merlins.

Sunday 8th February 2015
Isle of Sheppey

In fabulous weather, 6 of us made the trip to the Isle of Sheppey and once again we were rewarded with some terrific birds. 


Shellness

• We made the long trip west to the hide where Paul identified a bird perched on a post as the Hooded Crow which was top of our shopping list for the day; fortunately it stayed put until we all had the chance to get it in the scope and make the ID for ourselves.

• Soon afterwards we saw 4 Bearded Tits in the reeds in front of the hide and we were able to get really good views of these birds as they foraged for food. 

• If that wasn't enough we managed to spot the elusive Richard's Pipit on our way back to the car park; it was in the grassy area on the marsh side of the sea wall.  We were aided in making the ID by the close views and clear lighting.  To add to the ID items we also saw it's long wagtail-like tail as it flew as well as the characteristic hovering action as it was about to land.

• There was no sign of any Bean Geese amongst the Greylags but we did see at least 6 White-fronted Geese.  There were plenty of other birds on show including many Brent Geese, Marsh Harriers, Lapwings etc.

Capel Fleet
We had lunch at Capel Fleet where we saw several Marsh Harriers.


Elmley Marshes
We transferred to Elmley Marshes for the afternoon session to catch the high tide and the resulting high numbers of waders moving in. 

• As you would expect there were huge numbers of  Lapwing, Teal, Wigeon, Shelduck, Curlew, Shoveler etc.  The Pintails stood out particularly well.

• One of the outstanding periods of the day was when we saw 4 Short-eared Owls hunting over the marsh.  They were so close could see the vivid markings of the feathers and  really enjoy the spectacle.

• Unbelievably the birds kept coming and 2 female Merlins joined in, providing us with even more fun - one of them from close range as it perched at the top of a bush on the bank running at right angles to us.

• Best of all however were the 4 Bearded Tits we saw later on.  They were so close - less than 10 metres away - that we were afforded front of the house seats to watch them as they were feeding.  The one male in particular was absolutely stunning and was my bird of the day.  They were still showing well when we had to leave to return to the car - I have never before been in a situation where I have walked away from Bearded Tits.

What a terrific day out with lots of good healthy walking, good company and so many birds around, including 4 new species for my UK 2015 list!



Additions to 2015 BUBO UK Bird List:
Hooded Crow   (150)
Bearded Tit   (151)
Richard's Pipit   (152)
Merlin   (153)


Today's Species List:
Mute Swan
White-fronted Goose
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Brent Goose
Shelduck
Wigeon
Gadwall
Mallard
Pintail   (10)
Shoveler
Teal
Pheasant
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Buzzard
Marsh Harrier
Kestrel
Merlin
Moorhen   (20)
Coot
Ringed Plover
Golden Plover
Grey Plover
Lapwing
Dunlin
Snipe
Black-tailed Godwit
Curlew
Redshank   (30)
Black-headed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Woodpigeon
Short-eared Owl
Skylark
Meadow Pipit
Wren
Dunnock
Robin
Stonechat   (40)
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Cetti's Warbler (heard)
Bearded Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Rook
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Hooded Crow   (50)
Starling
House Sparrow
Reed Bunting