Last Wednesday I travelled down to Kent to explore some of the wonderful wildlife of the River Medway.
After lunch, Keith and I visited a group of gravel pits alongside the River Medway at Abbots Court near Hoo St Werburgh.
This pits are now disused and filled with water and have become a high tide roosting place for many of the birds that feed on the river in addition to the normal selection of waterbirds
There were about 20 Lapwings, but the only other waders present were 3 Green Sandpipers.
There were a few Wigeon and Gadwall along with a single Great Crested Grebe. More numerous were Tufted duck, Mallard, Coot and more Little Grebes than I think I have seen in one place (c20).
A bright yellow butterfly flew across the path, a Clouded Yellow. This is a migratory butterfly from southern Europe and North Africa. the numbers that reach the UK varies each year but 2026 seems to be a good migration year. we also added Small Heath, Meadow Brown and Common Blue to our days butterfly sightings.
A good days wildlife watching. Thanks to Keith for his company and Elaine for transporting us around.
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