RSPB trip to Oare Marshes (16th August)

A very pleasant day out with the group despite the place being absolutely heaving with people (most dog walkers!)

A fair selection of species around the reserve with good numbers of godwits and early on a large flock of Golden Plover, lots still in breeding plumage. There was a small roose of Little Egrets (c20) on the west flood. Other waders included 3 Greenshank, Ruff, Snipe, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, a few Avocets, 2 Knot. I missed out on the Wood Sandpipers that were seen briefly early on and then again in the afternoon, however, I did see a distant Peregrine over the Isle of Sheppey.

Bird of the day must go down to the adult male Hen Harrier seen flying over the fields to the south of the reserve.

Other good species included several Yellow Wagtails but nearly all were seen in flight, 2 Turtle Doves (one showing reasonably well from the West Hide) and in the afternoon 2 Hobbies.

The best of the butterflies was a Clouded Yellow.

Dragonflies/damselflies included: lots of Ruddy Darters, Common Darter, Common Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly.