A quick dash to Sheppey

I had a couple of hours spare today so decided that now Sheppey is less than half an hour away it was long overdue a visit to see if the SHORE LARK was still around. After a brief encounter with a smart SANDERLING, a group of three birders approached with the same goal in mind, what was nice is that I found they lived very close to me so hopefully it would be good catch up with them around Boughton Monchelsea, so Barry if you are reading this hope to see you again. One of the group quickly found the Shore Lark as it made it's way towards a group of fishermen it gave brilliant views and was happy to pose for photos until it ran out of beach to explore, when it flew off not too far to start again.

Camouflaged Sanderling

Great views of this Shore Lark

With limited time it was either head to the local patch or take a quick look along the Elmley entrance track, I decided on the latter. As ever birding from the car afforded great views of the many birds spread along the track, from a distant PEREGRINE hunkering low to the ground, to splashing STARLINGS throwing water everywhere. There were good numbers of BLACK TAILED GODWIT, GOLDEN PLOVER, CURLEW and RUFF as well as 2 BUZZARD and at least 5 MARSH HARRIER. As I left a LITTLE EGRET hunted in a pool close to the track, a gust of wind produced a chance to see what Little Egrets would look like with hair gel!!!!!

Lapwing

Ruff

Ruff

Stylish Little Egret

Starlings making a splash!!