A Hoopoe at Oare Marshes

4th August 2021

My first visit of the autumn to Oare Marshes and as soon as I stepped out of the car I was informed that there was a Hoopoe at Uplees Copse, but more of that later. For some reason the water levels on East Flood haven't been controlled this year and as a result the water levels are extremely high with the only land showing being the large island to the left.

Therefore the only waders present were the long-legged Black-tailed Godwits which were not only able to stand on their preferred large island but also the submerged spits. As a result my time was spent on the sea wall.

The tide was in so the only birds available to photograph were a Pied Wagtail and Turnstone on the rocks, and a fly-over Whimbrel.

As the tide ebbed away flocks of Black-tailed Godwits started flying out from their roost on East Flood to feed on the large expanse of mud on the River Swale.

Although some were feeding, others were quite content to have a preen or continue their sleep.

And it is always a privilege to see that rare Oare Marshes speciality, the Three-headed Black-tailed Godwit.

Bony the Bonaparte's Gull is now back for his 9th summer and is starting to moult into winter plumage. Some people have difficulty picking him out from the scores of Black-headed Gulls on the River Swale so this first photo with the Bonaparte's on the left shows a comparison. It is quite a bit smaller, has a black bill and the black cap extends to the back of the neck. On the Black-headed the cap is chocolate brown and extends to the top of the crown. The Bonaparte's also has pinker legs than the dark red of the Black-headed.

It is very refreshing that such a rare bird is often one of the closest birds on the Swale, which gives some great opportunities for some close-ups and today was no exception.

And today I also managed to get some flight shots too.

Well so far so good so what about the Hoopoe? It was reported from Uplees Copse which is the other side of Dan's Dock. Dan's Dock often attracts Marsh Frogs which in turn attract Grass Snakes.

But it is clear that this Grass Snake considered that taking on this frog would be biting off more than he could chew!! So now on to Uplees Copse.

The Hoopoe was showing well feeding on the concrete foundations of the old gunpowder factory. It was a little distant, but the main enemy was heat-haze which coming off concrete was severe. Anyway a great opportunity not to be missed and here is a selection of my photos.

So today we walked into a Hoopoe, well you've got to get lucky sometimes.