Following a week of rain, we set off to the Isle of Sheppey anticipating a wet day.
As it was, we were to be lucky and would not see any rain until emerging from the Dartford tunnel on our way home.
Turning onto the track to the reserve after only travelling a short distance our first Marsh Harrier was seen.
We arrived at the Elmley car park at about 10.00, having seen Marsh Harrier on the long drive into the reserve. After kitting out with our wet gear we started the long trek to the hides; a strong wind on our backs propelled us on our way.
Large flocks of Lapwing & Golden Plover kept taking off from the marsh. Many Curlew were also seen.
From the first hide we saw all the usual ducks with many Pintail, a Bewick’s Swan was seen in the distance.
Whilst in this hide, we watched a young Peregrine Falcon take and drown a Teal about eighty metres away. It tried to fly off with the prey but as it proved to be too heavy, it had to sit on the mud bank to consume the catch. When it had had its fill, it flew off to be replaced by a female Kestrel.
From the next hide we had clearer views of the Bewick’s Swan, Golden Plover and Lapwing. Many Marsh Harrier were flying about and a Hen Harrier was briefly seen. An adult Peregrine Falcon was perched on a bank.
We continued towards the hide that overlooks the River Swale. En route we saw a strange black object moving along a bank towards us. We finally had a good view of a Stoat carrying a Coot or Moorhen, before it disappeared into a hole.
The tide was out when we reached the hide overlooking the Swale. The sun was low
and reflecting off the water making distant viewing difficult. However among the
waders were Grey Plover, Avocet, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Black-
Red-
It was now after three o`clock so we decided it was time to return to the cars.
As we left the reserve, a Short Eared Owl was quartering the bank along the saltings. Arriving back at the car park, we had our last look across the reserve and saw a Little Owl in a tree about 100 metres away.
Once again Sheppey came up trumps, what a magical place Elmley RSPB Reserve is. This must be the best place to see birds in January.
Dave Jones (photographs by Stuart Harrison)
