unwanted wanted garden visitor

I got home in the week to find a Sprawk sitting right next to my bird feeder waiting to grab a prize.
I managed a couple of very quick shots before he departed without prey on this occasion but I'm sure he'll be back for another go. Always nice to see as long as you're not a bird.

Sprawk at the feeders

Birding has dried up a bit what with the birth of my grandson, too much work, the WORLD CUP and the fact that it's June and not much is happening in general out there.

Roll on Autumn!

Bonny gull returns to Oare for a sixth year

A Sunday morning trip down to Oare Marsh in Kent had us picking up a nice year tick when we lucked on the summering Bonaparte's Gull just as we reached the mud above the car park. The bird showed well but at 7.45am took flight and flew right across the Swale and settled in pools by Harty Ferry Inn. With the target bird sorted we headed off to pick up good views of Turtle Dove and Little Owl before bumping into Harry, Stuart and Neville who had also decided to visit Napoleon.  After a good catch up we headed off to leave them waiting for the gull to return.

We stopped at Sittingbourne where we eventually found a Spotted Flycatcher for another year tick before heading off to finish the birding at Elmley where the usual suspects gave themselves up for the camera.

Year list now 219

Bonaparte's Gull (distant and in the gloom)

Blackbird (guess she has hungry youngsters back at the next)

Corn Bunting at Elmley

Hare at Elmley

Grey Heron

Marsh Harrier at Elmley

Redshank at Elmley

Song Thrush in Sittingbourne

Squirrel at Sittingbourne eating flowers

Yellow Wag at Elmley

Song Thrush 

Oare

Yesterday saw a quick trip down to Oare Marsh in Kent. Arriving early we enjoyed a quartering Barn Owl and a Little Owl with a pair of Marsh Harrier along with the usual waders, Egrets and ducks.

We heard a Turtle Dove calling in the distance and eventually picked it up sitting in the trees by the farm where it continued to call throughout our visit. Reed and Sedge Warblers were very noisy along with a calling Cuckoo to round off a decent trip. We then decided to try North Foreland in the hope we might jam on yesterdays Rose Starling or find one of our own but failed on that front but did get some nice views of the breeding Fulmars here. On the way home a Pink Starling was reported at Cliffe so we took the short diversion only to dip again but here's hoping we jam on one soon as this mini invasion continues.

Year list now 217

Reed Warbler

Singing in the Reeds

Reed Warbler

A Reed Warbler warbling

Reed Warbler at Oare Marsh

Reed Warbler

Fulmar