Info on Isle Of Sheppey please

[glosterjavelin]

Dear All,

Am planning my first trip to the Isle Of Sheppey (Kent) this weekend, 4th Feb. Just wanted to ask if this is still a good time for a winter visit.

I read the excellent advice given to, I think, wolfbirder, in November. Have looked at basic geography of Sheppey - Harty, Capel etc. Just wanted to check what birds are likely to be around in Feb.

Many thanks.

[robinm]

I was there last Saturday. I spent some time at Elmley RSPB and then a couple of hours at the Raptor viewpoint on the Harty Ferry road.

It wasn't a particularly good day because the wind was quite strong. However, I did see a number of Marsh Harrier, 3 Hen Harrier including 1 male and a Barn Owl. I didn't see the RL Buzzard or any SE Owl although I know they are still around.

Plenty of wildfowl and a number of RB Merganser on the Swale.

[paulwfromtheden]

I was there last Saturday. I spent some time at Elmley RSPB and then a couple of hours at the Raptor viewpoint on the Harty Ferry road.

It wasn't a particularly good day because the wind was quite strong. However, I did see a number of Marsh Harrier, 3 Hen Harrier including 1 male and a Barn Owl. I didn't see the RL Buzzard or any SE Owl although I know they are still around.

Plenty of wildfowl and a number of RB Merganser on the Swale.

Make sure you check the tides if you want to look at waders at Elmley in the hides overlooking the Swale.

[PaulK]

The raptor watchpoint at Capel Fleet is excellent. Harriers are common and the Rough-legged Buzzard is occasionally present but views are distant.
Depending on the tide either Elmley or Shellness/Swale NNR is worth a visit. Snow Bunting or even Lapland Bunting and Twite could be present at the latter.