A trip with Keith to Oare Marshes.
Normally we walk east along the sea wall but following some information, today we walked west.
This proved to be a good decision as almost immediately we found a Wall Butterfly on the path ahead of us.
Moving on along the seawall we found a group of Cattle Egrets on a small pool.
These once rare birds are now being seen much more frequently in the UK and some large groups are now being reported from around the country.
We continued west and had a fly-by encounter with a Clouded Yellow Butterfly, a migrant species which arrives from the continent in the late summer.
Reaching Dan’s dock, the site of an old gunpowder works, we were treated to excellent views of 2 Water Rail.
Also present was a juvenile Yellow Wagtail
In the field beyond were 2 Whinchats
We then retraced our steps back to the car park and walked down to the East Flood, although following the hot weather there was little water and was more like the East Mud!
Consequently, there was not the usual range of birds. 3 golden Plover were the only birds of note.
We were joined by Elaine, Keith’s wife, for lunch at the café on the creek and after lunch we went for a walk round Faversham lakes, where we heard Greenshank but could not find it.
We may not have had quantity of species but what we did see was very good. Excellent day out. Thanks to Keith and Elaine for their company
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