A Visit to Ferry Lane and Rainham Marshes

25th August 2017

A fine day for another visit to Rainham Marshes, but today I thought I would first call in to Ferry Lane to see if there were any migrants around on the rocks. There were vast swathes of wild flowers here, including this Field Scabious, which were attracting good numbers of Small Heath butterflies.

I then peered over the river wall to scan the rocks and there right below me was a Wheatear. It sat there quite obligingly for some time, just adjusting its position slightly as if to pose for another photo. Well, what a good start to the day.

Now on to the reserve and time for a spot of lunch in the Purfleet Hide. A trio of Snipe were busy feeding away between the islands and provided some interest while the ducks were asleep on the islands.

Along the trail Goldfinches were feeding on the thistles in good numbers including several juveniles without the red blaze.

In the dragonfly pools there were several Bearded Tits pinging away and some coming to within just 3 feet but always buried deep in the reeds. This was the only shot I could manage which appears to be a female in head moult.

But when it is quite on the bird front there are always the dragonflies, and the Migrant Hawkers always provide hours of pleasure.

I have taken many photos of these insects in the past, but don't normally have time to try my hand at flight shots so reasonably pleased with these two attempts.

Well, another great day at Rainham and I think that Ferry Lane will be worth keeping an eye on.