jforgham
Birding for fun
Saturday and my first trip to Rainham RSPB reserve. Took with me 3 enthusiastic 10 - 11 year olds from school plus a parent. After a little difficulty in finding it arrived and immediately were in with the birds overhead and at the feeding stations. A target of 40 species had been set by the children. Goldfinches and greenfinches gave the children a chance to sharpen their binocular skills. Also wigeon and cormorant overhead. Firstly a walk along the riverside for a few gulls, redshank and a dunlin. Suddenly a commotion amongst the gulls attracted our attention and just had time to glimpse a mobbed hen harrier (female) heading east down the Thames.
On to the reserve and great views of little egret, gulls, reed buntings, pintail and snipe. Grey herons around and 1 chiffchaff calling. Our total at this point was 36 but still no tits, chaffinch or blackbird so confident of exceeding the total. A kestrel followed by blue tit and collared dove made it 40 and then a few extras, pied wag, great tit and robin along with a singing dunnock took us well over.
Coffee in the shop and then back oto the M25 and M11 got us home in less than an hour.
Superb reserve certainly on my list for regular birding sessions as easily accessible from Stortford. Children had a good day with many good views through my scope of new birds for them.
Regards,
Jono
On to the reserve and great views of little egret, gulls, reed buntings, pintail and snipe. Grey herons around and 1 chiffchaff calling. Our total at this point was 36 but still no tits, chaffinch or blackbird so confident of exceeding the total. A kestrel followed by blue tit and collared dove made it 40 and then a few extras, pied wag, great tit and robin along with a singing dunnock took us well over.
Coffee in the shop and then back oto the M25 and M11 got us home in less than an hour.
Superb reserve certainly on my list for regular birding sessions as easily accessible from Stortford. Children had a good day with many good views through my scope of new birds for them.
Regards,
Jono