Cetti's Warblers at Rainham Marshes

23rd March 2022

I had only just stepped out of the car and saw an indisputable sign of spring, a Common Carder Bee nectaring on the Sweet Violets in the car park. There was also the welcoming party of a dozen or so House Sparrows.

As I walked down the slope from the visitors centre it was clear that there was a reasoanble amount of action on Purfleet Scrape.

Greylag Geese were flying in all directions, Herons were coming in to land, a Little Egret was flying across the face of the hide, and a Cormorant was returning from a fishing trip.

Right in front of the hide a Lapwing was feeding on the mud and showing off its kaleidoscope of colours in the sunlight.

A male Shelduck was having a bathe and as always finished off with a wing-flap.

All this exercise was too much for this Shoveler which was quite content to sit in the sun and watch the world go by.

However, at this time of year things can get nasty. When you see two pairs of Coot gathering in a loose circle you know that trouble is afoot, because this is the start of the breeding season and the birds are pairing up and staking out their territory.

It is quite clear that where others use fisticuffs to settle their disputes, Coots use footsiecuffs!!!

On the trail round the reserve I heard just a handful of Marsh Frogs and only saw one, so obviously still a bit early in the season.

One nice surprise however was to see a pair of Pintails in one of the meadows as I had expected that they would have departed by now.

In front of the Butts Hide a pair of Avocets were feeding close to one of the islands but flew off after a few minutes.

At the newly cleared Cordite Store the only birds in evidence were a couple of Chiffchaffs, but it will now only be a couple of weeks before all the other warblers arrive.

But this time of year is by far the best for seeing and photographing that most secretive and elusive resident warbler, the Cetti's Warbler. Easier because their priority changes from remaining hidden to singing their song and staking out their territory, and there are no leaves on the trees to conceal them.

This first bird appeared from nowhere but unfortunately was partially hidden by branches and into the sun.

However, I eventually managed to find one with the sun behind me and just a single twig in the way. Must remember my secateurs next time!!