The River Wall at Rainham Marshes

20th August 2025

Getting near Wheatear time on the river wall and a couple had been seen this week, so time for a visit. I parked at Coldharbour Lane and had a stroll along the river wall as far as the turnstile from the reserve and not only didn't see a Wheatear, but also didn't see or hear a single passerine. Where have they all gone? The only bonus was seeing a lone sprig of Viper's Bugloss.

The good news was the tide was on its way in so a few birds were close in on the sea and fore-shore. Here is a trio of Black-tailed Godwits...............

...................and a quartet with some Shelduck.

Also one or two Curlews feeding on the water's edge.........................

.......................and some still flying in.

Avocet numbers at Aveley Bay have been increasing over the years and today a number were strewn along the shoreline.

These were spooked by a boat going past causing waves on the beach, but had the advantage of providing some flight shots.

Such elegant birds.

But the stars of the show today were the Shelduck. I can honestly say that I have never seen so many Shelduck here which must have numbered 100+, and the vast majority were young birds as can be seen from the flight shots.

What a great way to spend an hour and the Wheatears will have to wait for another day.