Productive visit to Capel Fleet/Shellness NNR

Arriving at Capel Fleet at first light we were treated to the sight of a Barn Owl hunting the hedge line along Harty Ferry Road. From the viewpoint, we enjoyed views of several Common Buzzard and Marsh Harrier and a single Hen Harrier that disappeared as quickly as it appeared. The Hooded Crow flew across the dump area to feed on the remains of a recently deceased swan but didn't linger very long at the carcass and flew back across the dump heading towards The Swale.

Hood Crow

On the drive back along Harty Ferry Road, there was a large flock of Linnet on the telegraph wires and they would frequently drop down onto the road. Corn Buntings were also present in good numbers in the usual bramble bushes. A Kestrel came into feed on the swan carcass allowing for a few photos. 

Scanning the fleet from a raised area proved fruitful when firstly the three Whooper Swans were found among the Mute Swans and then several White-fronted Geese were located among the Greylag and Barnacle Geese.

The shoreline at Shellness was alive with waders, with Redshank, Turnstone, Sanderling, Dunlin, Knot and Grey Plover all seen. We then turned our attention to the two flocks of birds feeding in the fields opposite. Large numbers of Skylark were present with small numbers of Snow Bunting which proved easier to pick out in flight than on the ground. Among these flocks, Brian eventually managed to pick out a single Lapland Bunting.

Oare Marshes proved the only disappointment of the day. Despite the pager announcing the presence of the Long-billed Dowitcher on the creek while we were standing on the seawall scanning the creek, we failed to find the bird. There were several birders scanning the creek around us and none had seen or reported the bird! Dunlin, Redshank, Curlew, Grey Plover and Avocet were seen on the creek. Pintail, Teal, Lapwing and Golden plover were all present on East Flood and a single Kingfisher was seen flying across the reeds heading towards the sluice.