Isle of Sheppey 11 January 2025

Eight of us braved the early morning ritual of defrosting our cars in minus 5 degrees, to convene at the sea wall of Leysdown on Sea on the Isle of Sheppey.  On arrival we began to see Oystercatcher, Redhsank, Sanderling and Turnstone, at times very close in front of us.  On close inspection one or two Grey Plover emerged amongst the more numerous waders.  There were some Shelduck out on the sea and Herring, Black headed, and Common Gulls.  A large flock of Brent Geese flew in and landed in front of us.  Then it was possible to start picking out numerous Red Throated Diver.  In all we estimated there to be at least 75 visible, a number which none of us had ever seen together in one place before.  We spent some time watching and soaking in this spectacle, and in pondering whether there were any Black Throated or Great Northern amongst them (inconclusive.)

We re-grouped further down the sea wall at a parking place and walked down the track to Shellness.  A large number of Golden Plover glinted in the sunlight along with a handful of Ringed Plover in an adjacent field.  The first of numerous Marsh Harrier for the day drifted across in front of us.  A couple of Stonechat flitted around in the undergrowth nearby and a pair of Reed Bunting sat obligingly in some bushes.

We then returned to the cars and transferred to the RSPB Raptor viewpoint.  Lapwing, Red Legged Partridges and Corn Buntings were in the fields and scrub.  One of the group had a brief glimpse of a small falcon flying, probably a Merlin.  More Marsh Harriers appeared, then a ringtail Hen Harrier was picked out with the characteristic white ring around the tail.  Another raptor turned out to be a passing Peregrine which sped off.  A Kestrel sat on a telegraph pole giving a prolonged view.  Whilst taking in all the sights we also heard the squeal of a Water Rail and the explosive song of a Cetti’s Warbler from the reedbeds.

Some of the group then decided to go on to Elmley nature reserve.  Most of the shallow pools were still frozen along the entrance track.  Lapwing were dotted about here and there, and one or two Black Tailed Godwit could be observed.  Arriving in the car park a Barn Owl was seen flying over, and then we spotted the first of around seven Short Eared Owls, perched on fence posts and in flight.  Some of the group had good views of Bearded Reedlings further out onto the reserve.  Unfortunately the resident Little Owls stayed hidden away in the old schoolhouse building and the Long Eared Owls were not showing either by the toilet block, but despite this we really had a very enjoyable day with some wonderful sightings with 45 species seen and 2 heard.

Leave a Reply