The Rainham Wheatear

27th September 2022

For a week or so now there has been a fairly confiding Wheatear on the river wall at Rainham so time for a visit, but first a quick look at the reserve.

Despite the recent rains which seem to have missed this part of the country most of the Rainham pools are still dry and therefore very few birds. In fact the only birds of note that I encountered on my trip to the Butt's Hide and back were three Stonechats, one of which posed for a second for a shot.

The only other excitement along the trail was a very active Common Wasp nest which is probably one of the most photographed wasp nests in the country.

Now on to the river wall to try and find the Wheatear. Normally Wheatears are easy to find due to their white rump as they fly away. The main problem with this bird is that it doesn't fly very much so that finding it is more difficult and it suddenly appeared just 10 yards away!!

It was obviously finding plenty to eat.

Apart from picking up insects on the surface, another way of feeing is to cock their head on one side and listen for movement in the short grass.

Then when movement is detected it is just a matter of going in to find it.

But the highlight of the day was seeing the new Kingfisher bank taking shape. The old bank needed repair several  years ago but instead of carrying out the works it was decided to abandon it. However, pleased to see that it has now been re-built and once again will be a great attraction on the reserve.