The morning at Oare began with 2 Yellow Wagtails showing well on the East Lagoon and a single Little Ringed Plover ( see photos below) plus 2 Little Egrets. 20 summer plumaged Black-Tailed Godwits were on the West Lagoon along with 8 Avocets.
Ham Road Gravel pits provided the unexpected sight of an adult Spoonbill flying westwards along the River Swale in the direction of Oare at 12:15 (high tide). A Green Sandpiper and Yellow Wagtail were on the shore of the gravel pit and four Marsh Harriers and 2 Little Egrets were in the vicinity.
A hasty return to Oare drew a blank on the Spoonbill but three 'firsts' for 2004 came in quick succession; three Swallows flying east along the Swale, a Common Tern on the West Lagoon and a Sand Martin over the East Lagoon. I'd have seen none of these if it hadn't been for the Spoonbill. It just goes to show what difference an hour can make. I wonder what arrived after I'd left....
Ham Road Gravel pits provided the unexpected sight of an adult Spoonbill flying westwards along the River Swale in the direction of Oare at 12:15 (high tide). A Green Sandpiper and Yellow Wagtail were on the shore of the gravel pit and four Marsh Harriers and 2 Little Egrets were in the vicinity.
A hasty return to Oare drew a blank on the Spoonbill but three 'firsts' for 2004 came in quick succession; three Swallows flying east along the Swale, a Common Tern on the West Lagoon and a Sand Martin over the East Lagoon. I'd have seen none of these if it hadn't been for the Spoonbill. It just goes to show what difference an hour can make. I wonder what arrived after I'd left....
