Rainham Marshes RSPB November 1st

Was hoping that the Hen Harrier had stopped off at Rainham which I had previously seen at the Ingrebourne Valley on the 29th, in the past they have wintered here on a regular basis.
Started my walk along the sea wall on a falling tide, good numbers of waders were present with a good flock of around 60 Black Tailed Godwits seen briefly heading up river, very likely Crossness bound.

Cant see the metal for the birds - Starlings flocking

The foreshore held
Dunlin – 143 mainly Kent side
Ringed Plover – 46 all Kent
Redshank – 41 Kent and 27 Essex
Curlew – the usual 2 birds
Rock Pipit – only 2 seen
As I came to the isolated reedbed at the end of concrete path, I could hear the pinging of a Bearded Tit, eventually it showed itself, a fine looking male, seems to be a good year for them at Rainham.
Did not expect too much on the reserve owing to all the ongoing works but did record –






This ones for Sarah - Bearded Tit

 Peregrine – female on the usual pylon
Stonechat – 2 together
Bearded Tit – another 2 calling
Golden Plover – 19 in with the Lapwings
Cetti’s Warbler – 5 calling

Golden Plover coming in

Could not locate the Pinkfeet Geese, very likely still there, easy to miss in all the cover.






Goldcrest



Goldcrest 2