Page 12 - Out Birding August 2022

the egg unattended while she stretched her legs. The warden had told us that the Avocet chicks hatched thus far had all been predated, but they were hopeful that the chicks hatching now would have a better chance of survival.
A large gull obligingly stood up allowing us to see its flesh-coloured legs and identify it as a Great black-backed Gull. The proximity and sheer number of Black-headed Gulls allowed us to separate the breeding adults from the first-year youngsters – thanks to Vanessa for sharing her knowledge with us. The Morecambe Hide gave views of Shelduck, Greylag Geese in a distant field, and a lone Redshank. We made our way back to the café and a welcome cup of tea and chat. Altogether a fantastic day, with 47 species seen or heard. Many thanks to Angela, Vanessa, Moira, Lorna, Pat, Maggie, Anne and Sarah for such convivial company.
Alix
RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex 19/06/22
Following the hottest day of the year so far (32˚C), twelve members, who had travelled from Essex, Hertfordshire, London and Yorkshire gathered at Rainham Marshes beside the Thames to spend a morning on the last stretch of ancient, riverside marsh inside the M25. On a reserve that affords little opportunity for shade on the 3.8km circular walk some members were thankful that there had been a fall in temperature to a more man- ageable 19˚C,
The visit started with a wonderful display viewed from within the visitor centre. On the Purfleet Scrape, outside the café window, around 40 Little Egret lazily preened and posed whilst being surveyed by a half dozen Grey Heron, looking-on superiorly. Canada Geese, Coot and Greylag were keeping an eye on their young whilst also present were Avocet and Tufted Duck. The ramp from the visitor centre affords a good view over the marshes. Pausing to scan the reserve and ponder which direction to go, three of the group were fortunate to get a clear view of Golden Oriole (♀) making a wide arc over the scrape. Unfortunately, this infrequent visitor continued on the wing and flew south over the Thames towards Kent before the rest of us could properly ‘focus in’.
Choosing an anticlockwise route, our group was soon on a viewing platform at the side of a small reedbed. Reed Warblers were present and, after 5 minutes, a group of 5 Bearded Tit joined our company and happily ‘pinged’ around, flitting between reeds for the next 15 minutes, often within a few metres of the platform and showing clearly for some time. Their departure signalled time for us to move on the walled ‘Cordite Store’ (this name a hang-over from the 100 years when the marshes were MOD firing ranges). In this sheltered and peaceful spot, with its astounding jungle of bell bind in full flower, there were a few birds including Common Whitethroat, Woodpigeon with Black-Headed Gull overhead and Cetti’s Warblers were heard.
Walking on gave views of Greater Black-backed Gull, Marsh Harrier, Cormorant, and a solitary Greenfinch. The Ken Barrett Hide gave an opportunity to rest and watch Pochard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Shelduck on the water. Our journey along the reedbeds of the northern boundary, with Eurostar trains on the raised rail track whizzing by, was interrupted by a common lizard scurrying across the boardwalk. A Kestrel was above (but missed this meal) and Herring Gull, Swift, Swallow and Goldfinch were on the wing.
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