We are now into the second half of March and the first signs of Spring are upon us, so time for a visit to Rainham Marshes. It was a reasonably mild day and I was expecting to photograph a few butterflies but none were on the wing, not even in the sheltered Cordite Store. In fact the only reminders of Spring was a solitary singing Chiffchaff and some patches of Coltsfoot in the play area.
There were very few waders left on site now, just the usual Lapwings, Redshank and Snipe. The Lapwings were already preparing their nest.
Still a good selection of ducks although numbers were down, presumably due to the forthcoming breeding season. The diving ducks were represented by Tufted Duck and Pochard, but the only Pochard that came close enough for a photo was this female in front of the Barrett Hide.
Other ducks included Teal, Pintail, Wigeon and Shoveler. At one stage the Shoveler took to the air and looked stunning against a stormy sky.
But the stars of the show today were the two Shelduck which were locked in battle in front of the Purfleet Hide. They were really going for it and provided some ideal opportunities for some action shots.
This is obviously the crash landing of the duck world.
Well, obviously still early days, but probably not too long before Spring migration gets under way.
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