An Early Autumn Visit to Oare Marshes

29th July 2019

We arrived at Oare Marshes to find that the water levels were still high, when they are normally dropped by the end of July. I spoke to three of the KWT volunteers who were returning from a working party who said the reason the water levels hadn't been dropped was that the new lady warden wasn't allowed to go down the ladder into the sluice to remove a board, although it wasn't clear whether this was because she was female or a sudden attack of Health and Safety, as it is an operation that has been carried out for the past few years. Not sure what the long-term plans are. Plenty of waders there but more difficult to view than normal as they were all bunched together on the small amounts of mud showing, or in the shallows.

We started at the south-east corner of the East Flood where there was reported to be a small amount of mud. More like shallow water than mud, but it had attracted a large flock of waders, predominantly Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks.

This Black-tailed Godwit flew in but didn't want its photo taken.

There were also a few other species dotted around like these Dunlin and Ruff.

There was also a summer-plumaged Knot mingling with the Redshank, and at the top right of the second photo a lone Spotted Redshank.

The whole lot lifted off when this adult female Marsh harrier wafted over..................

..................but the Redshanks at least were quick to return after the danger had passed.

On the East Flood most of the waders were concentrated in just one area, and hidden amongst them were a dozen or so Golden Plover.

On the river wall by the slipway a stunning cock Linnet was perched up in the abundant Wild Carrot and a Pied Wagtail was feeding on the rocks.

Down on the slipway were a few gulls and waders including a rather confiding Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit..

Most of the gulls were Black-headed, although all five of the common species were present.

In addition the Bonaparte's Gull was present for its seventh summer, and no-one is any wiser as to where it goes for the rest of the year. Most of the shots have Black-headed Gulls in for comparison.

A quick fly along the water's edge, but it never goes far.

Normally the Bony's would win the Bird of the Day award, but today it goes to the superb Whimbrel that was feeding around the end of the slipway. Normally Whimbrel are hard to approach, but this individual didn't seem too bothered and allowed some photos to be taken over a period of about 20 minutes.

Well, another great day at Oare Marshes and let's hope they sort out the water levels soon.