Elmley, Oare and Stodmarsh, late March 2024

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 Marshes.


Miscellany






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