'Stodge' Marsh & Oare

Monday (2nd) was another day spent out in the field with the parents. Starting at the Grove Ferry car park, the plan was to walk along the riverbank to view the 2 Glossy Ibises that had been frequenting the water meadows at Stodmarsh NNR. We were soon told that the birds had been showing better from the Marsh Hide so we changed our plans. It was a proper slog through the mud but we were rewarded with lovely views of the un-ringed Glossy Ibis, along with several Water Pipits and 3 Little Egrets.

Glossy Ibis



Other birds of note were limited as we spent much of our time trying not to slip over in the mud. We did see a couple of Marsh Harriers and 2 Ruff from the viewing ramp though.

In the afternoon we paid our first visit of the year to Oare Marshes. Most of usual species present with the highlights being: 1 Little Grebe and 2 Snipe on the East Flood, 2 Greenfinches behind the East Hide, Merlin in the Elder tree, 2 Little Stints in Faversham Creek and 2 ringtail Hen Harriers, 2 Kestrels and an immature male Peregrine over on Harty Hill. An enjoyable day out.

2 Little Stints


Today (5th) my Dad had a Peregrine over the house, an increasing sight over this area of Ashford in recent months.