Stodmarsh and Oare 29/07/22

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Starting at Stodmarsh we called in first at the Reedbed hide where birds included three Green Sandpiper and one Common Sandpiper. Then from the Lampen Wall I managed to get a brief view of juvenile Purple Heron which dropped into the marsh midway between the Tower and Marsh hides. We then watched the area from the Tower hide whereupon the heron flew out after about 20 minutes and headed towards the river, landing out of view. No further sign after that unfortunately.

Walking back several Bullfinch were heard and a family of Garden Warbler were fairly vocal with a couple seen quite well.

Back at the far park a smart Painted Lady was feeding on burdock.
 
We arrived at Oare in time for high tide, with 2-3000 Black-tailed Godwit on the east flood. There was no sign of yesterday's Gull-billed Tern though the moulting Bonaparte's Gull was present for its 11th year at Oare. A Hobby was sitting on a mud spit at the back of the flood and has reportedly taken Dunlin in recent days.

Whilst watching the flood two Sand Martin flew past, incredibly my first of the year for this species.

Purple Heron



Painted Lady



Bonapartes Gull






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