7th July 2020 - Oare Marshes NR, Kent

I ventured off to Oare Marshes late morning in search of the returning Bonaparte's Gull which if I'm not mistaken is the 8th year in a row this bird has returned to this site. I deliberately timed my visit to coincide with high tide as this is when the birds are pushed off The Swale and move onto the East Flood. Upon arrival the Bonaparte's Gull was showing very nicely close to the road associating with roosting Black-headed Gulls. Nearby in one of the bordering reedbeds, a family party of four Bearded Tits gave nice views. 

The East Flood had many others birds present and the highlights were as follows: c750-1000 Black-tailed Godwit, 56 Avocet, a Spotted Redshank, 128 Redshank, three Dunlin, a Greenshank, four Oystercatcher and 11 Lapwing. Around the footpath, I added c10 Yellow Wagtails, another four Bearded Tits, two Reed Buntings, several singing Reed Warblers, lots of Linnets and a hunting Kestrel. 

Bonaparte's Gull, Black-headed Gulls, Avocets and Lapwing at Oare Marshes, Kent

Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwits and Dunlin at Oare Marshes, Kent

Yellow Wagtail at Oare Marshes, Kent

Golden Samphire at Oare Marshes, Kent