North Kent Marshes

July 7th


It’s not often that you get perfect weather for surveying but I have to say, after the fog cleared on Sunday it was.
This was reflected in the birds on show, even the Hare’s were getting in on the act with a gathering of 6 animals undertaking frivolities in a Turnip Field.

On the way out Greenshank, Avocet, Bar Tailed and 2 Black Tailed Godwits were recorded along with a distant Common Buzzard, a little foggy to start with but by 7.00am wall to wall sunshine.
With the sunshine came Dragons and Butterflies, my first Large Skipper of the year, Broad Bodied, Black Tailed Skimmer and Four Spot Chasers were seen along with a handful of Emperors.
Darters were just about everywhere and a single Painted Lady was also seen.

Unlucky Damsels, one got away though

On the bird front Bearded Tit broods were very evident with 3 separate groups seen so it looks a good season for them; no Mediterranean Gulls this week after 4 adults were seen last week moving through with the Black Headed Gulls.

A very good survey which was rounded off by 2 Green Sandpipers on one of the Fleets and my first Autumn Wigeon of the year or possibly a summering bird, who knows.