An Hour in the Purfleet Hide

24th February 2026

I had an hour to spare so what better way to spend it than in the Purfleet Hide at Rainham Marshes on a bright sunny day. As I walked up the steps to the visitor centre I was welcomed by the resident House Sparrows and a rather smart Starling.

The Starling in particular was rather magnificent with its iridescent plumage positively glowing in the afternoon sun. They really are an under-rated bird. This is an adult male due to the very fine arrow-shaped streaks on the breast and the blue at the base of the bill.

Once in the hide it was soon evident that after the recent rains the water levels were very high which together with a low tide meant there were no waders on the islands. This except for a couple of Snipe hunkered down in the vegetation, trying their best not to be seen.

Two species of diving ducks today, Tufted Duck and Pochard. There was a pair of Tufted Ducks but just a single male Pochard with that amazing red eye.

Of the surface feeders first up was the Teal and lovely to see all the ducks in their smart breeding attire.

Also plenty of Wigeon around today and starting to pair up for the breeding season.................

.....................and the males out in the middle fighting amongst themselves.

Wow, just look at the male Shovelers now.

The females of course are much duller so they are camouflaged on the nest in vegetation.

One of the males decided to have a bath with spray going in all directions..................

....................followed by the compulsory wing-flap.

Just look at the colours on the wing.

And finally my favourite duck the Pintail and here is your often initial view. You can see why they are called Pintails.

What an enjoyable hour.

A Couple of Hours with the Barnies

22nd February 2026

Sunny spells forecast for the afternoon so off to Wallasea Island to chance my luck with the Barn Owls. I had an hour to spare before getting into position for the Barn Owl performance so had a wander out to the screens overlooking Grass Farm Lagoon. The Sky Larks were in full song but today not very cooperative so I only had time for one shot.

As I approched the screens I could hear the meowing call of Mediterranean Gulls and soon found three on an island on Acresfleet Lagoon.

Here is an enlargement of one of the gulls showing its crimson bill, white eye-lids and completely white wings.

And a couple of shots in flight.

Now getting near owl time so off to the famous white gate. Still a while to go but luckily one of the Wallasea female Kestrels provided the support act.

Then I spotted a small falcon absolutely bombing across the marsh about a foot off the ground which then landed on a distant post. The lack of a distinctive moustachial strip. a slight eye-stripe and barring right down to the legs confirm this as a Merlin.

But now showtime and the first Barn Owl appeared right on cue at 4.20pm. Eventually three owls were in the air at once and the show was still in full swing albeit in fading light when I left at 5.00pm.

What a way to spend an afternoon!!!