Bonaparte's Gull, Oare Marshes

A Bonaparte's Gull first reported on the 17th at Oare Marshes in Kent was still present this morning, so we took the opportunity to make the trip.

Heading down Harty Ferry Road, we spotted a familiar face and luckily enough he was already looking at the Bonaparte's Gull.

The gull was present on the East Flood, and although it kept towards the back third of the flood it gave great views through the scope.

With weather clouding over and the first spots of rain falling we headed for the hide. The rain shower didn't last long, but when the gull appeared from behind the island it gave closer views than from Harty Ferry Road.

Bonaparte's Gull

Wood Sandpipers had been present in recent days, with up to 9 birds present on the 12th. But scanning the flood didn't produce any today, but at least 7 Common Sandpipers were found.

A single Dunlin, several Ruff and Turnstone were also present and two Med Gulls dropped in onto the small mud strips.

As the tide levels changed and the Black-tailed Godwits left the estuary to relocate onto the flood, the Bonaparte's decided that was it's queue to depart. It was later found back feeding on the estuary.

A walk to the West Flood to look for Wood or Green Sandpipers was cut short when we found the hide overlooking the flood was closed and sealed off due to Flood damage.

The walk did produce nice views of Bearded Tits among the ditch side reeds.