An early morning visit to Rainham Marshes this morning, The draw bridge was still raised as we pulled into the car park, luckily Howard allowed us early access.
A Jack Snipe had been present on Purfleet Scrape for a few days previously, so we began the search from the hide. Plenty of Common Snipe were seen along with Redshank, Dunlin, Teal and Wigeon. A Spotted Redshank and a single Water Pipit were much more of a surprise though.
Among the reeds a good Jack Snipe candidate was found, but before the ID could be confirmed two Moorhens came crashing through the reeds and the Snipe disappeared without trace!
A quick cup of tea from the reserve centre and we were back out searching the scrape. Another scan of the far edges produced several more Common Snipe and finally good if a little distant views of a Jack Snipe. It darted in and out of the grass at the waters edge several times allowing most of the other birders present decent views. Unfortunately the bird remained well out of range for the camera, Photo below is from last year's Rye Meads trip.
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| Jack Snipe |
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