Ruby
Well-known member
Given the weather forecast for yesterday and the location (RSPB Elmley is VERY exposed and involves a walk of a mile or so to get to the nearest hide) I thought we were quite brave to go out at all. In truth, my friend and I had arranged to go out on a guided walk and so were kind of committed!!
Anyway.... we fetched up in the car park at 09:00 and my friend (even more of a learner than me) got 2 life ticks straight away... Red-Legged Partridge and Little Owl.
The wind was blowing well and very threatening clouds all around, so we lost no time in heading off to the Swale hide. Made it before the rain - phew.
Excellent views of Curlew, Dunlin, Grey Plover, lots of Avocet, Shelduck and a first for both of us - Red-Breasted Merganser.
We saw only 2 Godwits all day.... one Blackwit and one Barwit - how often would that happen!!
Started to scan North over by the Counterwall and pretty soon started to pick up Marsh Harriers regularly - various distances, but some quite good views.
Our guide managed to pick up a Merlin, which was huddled up against a vertical gatepost (wind howling by now!) at extreme distance. Because it was so far away and just had its back to us, we decided not to tick it (would have been a lifer for both of us). Watched it off and on for about 30 mins but it refused to turn around - so we moved on disappointed.
Went across to the Counterwall hide and saw Pintails (another tick) and excellent views of Wigeon, Shoveller and Teal, plus Greylag Geese and Barnacle Geese.
Came back to the new hide and spent the rest of the afternoon there.... fantastic views of Oystercatchers and Ringed Plover and the highlight of the day were 5 * Bewick Swans coming in to land and great views of 2 * Hen Harriers (one Ring-Tail) at quite close range.
Getting towards the end of the day now and we watched many Marsh Harriers gradually making their way eastwards to their overnight roosts.
The long walk back through the gloom and rain was a small price to pay for a wonderful day. Our guide was so helpful and knowledgable and we had a fantastic experience.
Rgds.... Ruby :bounce:
Anyway.... we fetched up in the car park at 09:00 and my friend (even more of a learner than me) got 2 life ticks straight away... Red-Legged Partridge and Little Owl.
The wind was blowing well and very threatening clouds all around, so we lost no time in heading off to the Swale hide. Made it before the rain - phew.
Excellent views of Curlew, Dunlin, Grey Plover, lots of Avocet, Shelduck and a first for both of us - Red-Breasted Merganser.
We saw only 2 Godwits all day.... one Blackwit and one Barwit - how often would that happen!!
Started to scan North over by the Counterwall and pretty soon started to pick up Marsh Harriers regularly - various distances, but some quite good views.
Our guide managed to pick up a Merlin, which was huddled up against a vertical gatepost (wind howling by now!) at extreme distance. Because it was so far away and just had its back to us, we decided not to tick it (would have been a lifer for both of us). Watched it off and on for about 30 mins but it refused to turn around - so we moved on disappointed.
Went across to the Counterwall hide and saw Pintails (another tick) and excellent views of Wigeon, Shoveller and Teal, plus Greylag Geese and Barnacle Geese.
Came back to the new hide and spent the rest of the afternoon there.... fantastic views of Oystercatchers and Ringed Plover and the highlight of the day were 5 * Bewick Swans coming in to land and great views of 2 * Hen Harriers (one Ring-Tail) at quite close range.
Getting towards the end of the day now and we watched many Marsh Harriers gradually making their way eastwards to their overnight roosts.
The long walk back through the gloom and rain was a small price to pay for a wonderful day. Our guide was so helpful and knowledgable and we had a fantastic experience.
Rgds.... Ruby :bounce: