Long-billed Dowitcher at Oare Marsh

Another visit to Oare Marsh today in order for Jim to connect with the Dowitcher.
We arrived at about 7am and with the sun in our face from the path we walked up to the sea wall and quickly found the Bonaparte's Gull out on the mud to the east of the slipway. Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank and Turnstone added to the list here before we walked around the wall to view the East flood from the East with the sun behind us.

Long-billed Dowitcher ( and Curlew Sand, Ruff, Blackwit, Lapwing, Dunlin, Redshank etc)

Long-billed Dowitcher (distant cropped record shot)

Dowitcher in flight

Bonaparte's Gull

The Dowitcher was showing well from here and gave great scope views as it walked up the edge of the reeds before flying out to join the Blackwits and roost. Two Curlew Sands and a pair of Spotshanks, Ruff , Dunlin, LRP and Snipe added to the wader count. A few Yellow Wagtails were present and Bearded Tit "pinged" as we stood watching the Dowitcher.
Back at the road and we added Common Sand and Little Stint to the day list before setting off for Elmley which was a total disappointment with zero water and zero birds!

Turnstone