It is that time of year when anything can turn up so another visit to Rainham Marshes was always on the cards. What I love about Rainham is that, no matter what time of year you go, there is always a warm welcome from the House Sparrow population whether in the car park or on the sea wall as in this case. They always sound so happy.
Most of the dragonflies and damselflies have finished their flight season now with mostly only Ruddy and Common Darters and Migrant and Southern Hawkers on the wing. Fortunately all these four species are very accommodating and will land frequently and can be very approachable provided that it is not too hot. Here I was able to get a couple of shots of the two hawkers.
Round by the reed bed next to the railway there were still a number of Bearded Tits pinging in the reeds. The secret with beardies is to wait for them to come to you as eventually they will shin up a reed quite close to you. Not brilliant shots today but time was too short for a long wait.
Along by the Ken Barratt Hide the Wasp Spiders were still delighting the crowds with many visible just a few feet from the path. What amazing creatures!
But the highlight today was the woodland by the cordite store. I had gone there in the hope of a Redstart or flycatcher but no luck on that score. However, the place was still fairly active with good numbers of Chiffchaffs flitting around in the bushes. Some of them were quite content to sit in a hole in a bush enjoying the warm sun and a spot of preening. Not long now before they will be up and away.
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