Elmley RSPB

This week's Wednesday Wags' trip took us to Elmley RSPB Reserve in the vain hope of catching up with the purple heron which has been spotted there intermittently over the last few weeks.    Our usual five was reduced to five this week as Malcolm and Sally are sampling the delights of the Isle of Wight.

Green-Veined White

Meadow pipit were disturbed as we ventured down the track and we saw several green-veined white butterfly.   As we neared Wellmarsh Hide there were groups of up to 10 green-veined white together, and over the course of the day we saw at least 50.   At the hide we were met with a very dry, cracked scrape - the area having been drained to try to eradicate an algae - so no waders, but a family of whinchat gave us good views as they flew back and forth to the predator fencing.   In the distance we could see a female marsh harrier flying and kestrel hovering - with avocet on a far pool.

Wood Sandpiper

We decided to move to the Counterwall Hide where water remained and there was a greater chance of some waders.   Five wood sandpipers met our gaze as we arrived, and as we enjoyed watching their antics we also saw common sandpiper and pied and yellow wagtail.   The wood sandpipers were beautifully marked and the narrow banding on the tail was easily seen.   When they flew around the pool we were privileged to excellent views of the delicate plumage.

Wood Sandpiper

In the pools further back we could see ruff, ringed plover, common sandpiper, together with mallard, teal, shelduck and pied wagtail.    As I scanned the far pool there was a greenshank and several dunlin, and with the dunlin another small bird which turned out to be a little stint.   There was also a possibility of a garganey but it remained behind reeds and unconfirmed.   Another birdwatcher was quick to spot a merlin chasing a pack of swallows - although I got a fleeting glimpse the merlin wasn't spotted again.  According to Gordon (the warden) this is the first merlin sighted recently and about the right time for the start of their autumn migration.

Water Vole Latrine

After enjoying the delights of the pools for some time, lunch called and we left the hide.   At the small bridge outside the hide I spotted a couple of planks of wood in the ditch which had been used by a water vole as a latrine.   Irene and I stopped and as we were musing over Malcolm's absence (he being an enthusiastic vole-man) the reeds started to rustle and move - there was obviously something in there!   We silently watched as something continued to move in the reeds.   There was the sound of munching and although the reeds near the water continued to move and the crunching of the reeds continued, we could not see the creature responsible.   The other birdwatcher came out of the hide and we had to move on, but it was fascinating to be so close.   A couple more birdwatchers came towards the hide and as I looked to the sky 4 spoonbill were flying over with their distinctive "spoons" leading the way.   All six of us managed to get good views, but as we were low in the reed beds we could not see where the birds landed, and they were not seen again all the time we were on the reserve.

Red Admiral

Now we really wanted lunch and we decided to use the bench near the disabled car park which gives you 360 degree views of the reserve and surrounding land - we had kindly been allowed to bring the car down the track.   How fortuitous that was!  Within 10 minutes of settling ourselves down the black clouds started to move in a vortex above our heads and moments later they gave full vent to their feelings and a cloudburst started to drench us.   Never have three birders moved so fast - we were back in the car within minutes and grateful for the drier option.

Lunch over and it was a walk to South Fleet Hide through the long grasses that always seem to produce a huge number of butterflies.  Although on this occasion the variety was not quite as good as earlier in the year, the number was high.  Many green-veined white, several common blue and gatekeeper, and a pristine red admiral.  

Yellow Wagtail

At the South Fleet Hide there were once again great views of green sandpipers, greenshank, mallard, teal, shelduck and lapwing.   We could hear birds scrambling about on the roof of the hide and as we watched we realised it was a family of yellow wagtail.   Gradually they all flew down onto a small beach area on the edge of the pool in front of us.   There were two adult birds and several juveniles, the most we counted at one time was eight birds in various stages of plumage.   They were chasing and flying into the air, balancing on the fence and then feeding in the field beyond.   At one stage several of them joined a party of starlings feeding at the feet of the grazing cows.  

Snipe

A snipe flew in and fed alongside some duck, and we watched for several minutes as it moved alongside the edge of the reeds feeding and preening.

It was now time to take our leave and on the way back to the car I took the opportunity to go a small way up the seawall and peer over at the mudflats.    Here were the curlew that we had been hearing all day, over a dozen of them dotted around with black-headed gulls and redshank.

Back at the wardens house we found goldfinch, greenfinch and huge numbers of swallow, the latter were gathering on the telegraph wires, with adults still feeding the young.    It was great to see them, but brought to mind the fact that they are gathering to start on their long journey south for the winter.    Paul spotted a sparrowhawk darting around the barn - presumably after a crafty meal.