18/08/2018 Oare Marshes with the East Grinstead RSPB Local Group

Saturday 18 August 2018
Oare Marshes, Kent
East Grinstead Local Group


This birding year marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the group and what better way to kick things off than a visit to Oare Marshes on the north Kent coast.  14 of us made the 120 mile round trip on an overcast, but very pleasant, day and were rewarded with some excellent birding moments.

Top of my list was the Bonaparte's Gull which by now would be in winter plumage and be much more difficult to find among the many Black-headed Gulls.   I persuaded Shaun to go round the reserve in a clockwise direction so we could look for it first on the muddy shores of the River Swale.  Mark and Elizabeth, who had been on site since early morning and had already seen the gull, briefed us as to the key ID issues so we were very confident  as we set off.

Bonaparte's Gull with larger Black-headed Gull

Library picture

• We had almost reached the hide at the far end of the first section when we were called back to an earlier observation point where a young lady was watching the Bonaparte's Gull and had good scope views.  Had we missed the bird or had it moved in after we had passed by?  Whatever the reason, we were now on to it and could relax and enjoy superb views.  The black beak was a critical feature as was the pronounced black ear spot.  Most significant of all perhaps was the size difference between it and the Black-headed Gulls around - up to a third smaller!  As we were only 30-50 metres away we were able to appreciate all the ID features mentioned above.  

Gulls are not everyones favourite - some felt a little underwhelmed after my enthusiastic promotion at the start, and after an hour or so we moved on.

• We hadn't gone far before we found a lovely juvenile Water Rail.  We were actually looking at a Snipe at the time when the Water Rail suddenly appeared from the reeds. So we happily waited and watched both birds for some time.  Incredibly a couple of Bearded Tits - reedlings - joined the party as they moved around the reeds at water level.
• After we turned into Faversham Creek, we came across a Whimbrel on the edge of the muddy banks on the opposite side to us and further south.  As we approached the bird moved away from the edge and towards us, offering superb views. 
• On the east flood we saw a lovely Curlew Sandpiper and then a Little Stint among the Godwits, Dunlins, Ruffs, Avocets etc.  Several members also saw a couple of Yellow Wagtails on the grassy banks opposite the viewing point. 
• All in all we saw 4 sandpipers, the Curlew Sandpiper mentioned above, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper and a brilliant Wood Sandpiper.

 All agreed that this was a really good start to our anniversary year.  Over 50 species seen.

Roll on our next trip to Sandwich Bay and then the Simon Barnes talk to our group on 30 October.