Microbirdology

The Hoopoe ( Upupa epops ) is a striking bird recognized by its distinctive crown of feathers. In the UK, Hoopoes are very rare breeders with no established breeding pairs reported. They are primarily seen as occasional visitors during migration in spring and autumn. They are considered to be ‘overshooting’ birds from Europe. The number of these birds in the UK during winter is extremely low. Hoopoes generally migrate from their breeding grounds in central and southern Europe to winter in Africa, showcasing a clear pattern of moving southward as the colder months approach . This bird was feeding on the dunes at Greatstone for a few days before moving on to parts unknown. A fantastic looking bird and fairly calm, considering the attention it was getting!   Ferruginous Duck ( Aythya nyroca ) is a small diving duck. In the UK, it is a rare and irregular breeder with approximately 1-2 breeding pairs reported in recent years. Wintering numbers are slightly higher, with estimates suggesti

The horse pasture between Capel Fleet and the RSPB Raptor viewpoint seems to be a useful place to spot passing migrants as well as the usual resident birds Resident birds Red legged Partridge Buzzard Kestrel Corn bunting Marsh Harrier Migrants Redwing Yellow Wagtail Whinchat Northern Wheatear Elmley The odd few hours of sunshine enabled me to catch the Little Owl on the Old School house after 2 weeks of trying. Of limited interest was the reflection of the Tuscon in the eye of an Elmley Hare and a Lapwing On the 10th April several Yellow Wagtails were feeding near the track, allowing for a few close up shots. The best shots were of a Grey Heron playing with its frog brunch. It seemed reluctant to actually eat it. Miscellany  

A juvenile White tailed Eagle made an unexpected visit to Elmley and was briefly visible from the Wellmarsh hide after making a meal of a goose.  It was not close but still an exciting visitor to the reserve. Some of the Marsh Harriers that were wintering on Sheppey have probably moved on, but there is still plenty of activity. Resident birds are starting to think about nesting by the end of the month. Kestrels show all year round at Elmley and Oare Cattle Egrets are less common that Little Egrets in our area. Males are striking in their summer plumage, and are often seen with cattle at both Elmley and Stodmarsh. There are still a few Short eared Owls on Sheppey but numbers will dwindle to almost nothing by the end of April. We can only hope that some stay this year to try and breed. Greenshank are still present on the Swale creeks.  There were three on Oare creek in late March. A drake Garganey was the star attraction from the Feast hide at Stodmarsh, and  there two reported on Oare M