On the fence at Rainham

With a mid-week visit to Rainham Marshes and adding Yellow Wagtail, Swift and Sand Martin to the patch year list after work . Here are some of the other birds seen.

Linnet

Goldfinch

Short-eared Owl

A brilliant afternoon at Rainham Marshes

Without a doubt yesterday's (Saturday) late afternoon session at Rainham Marshes was definitely the best time I've spent with the Short-eared Owls. Prolonged views and at times close, probably due to the last few evenings its been raining and the Owls find it difficult to hunt and that the afternoon was dry and at times bright. I enjoyed up to three shorties hunting for about three hours in total. A brilliant afternoon......

 

And added Common Tern, Whimbrel,Common Whitethroat, Reed and Sedge Warblers for the Rainham year list to.......

Razorbill at Rainham Marshes

Late Saturday afternoon I twitched the Razorbill at Rainham Marshes found by Jonathan Nasir luckily Howard made sure the reserve stayed open later than normal and most of the local and London birders connected. Although the record for Razorbill is rare in London, the fact that the bird was unwell took the shine off a bit for me, even though it's a site and London tick.

Razorbill on the path seen from the second viewing platform Saturday.

Sunday morning highlights at Rainham Marshes near the Stone Barges were 3 Green Sandpipers,  1 Swallow, 3 Wheatear, Buzzard, 3 Marsh Harrier.

 Male Wheatear

A quick one

Highlights at a very sunny Rainham Marshes RSPB were 10+ Wheatear, Female Black Redstart and a Short-eared Owl . Only a quick visit but a bloody good one.... 

Male Wheatear in spring are very smart

And a Short-eared Owl out hunting at 3pm isn't to bad either

Maybe only a record shot but lucky to add a Black Redstart for the RM year list...