Black Stork on the Isle of Sheppey - 18th August 2023

A planned outing to Oare Marshes in Kent and after a few days of good weather we hit upon a dull day with a little rain! First stop was to the slipway where we looked for the regular Bonaparte's Gull but no luck. However the Turnstones allowed for some great photo opportunities.

A walk along the sea wall allowed for some flight shots of a small party of Dunlin and Ringed Plover.

As to be expected, Redshank were fairly common feeding on the mud and then flying in to the East Flood as the tide rose.

One Whimbrel close in.

And quite a few Curlew.

View from the sea wall looking towards Hollowshore.

Again, lots of Black-tailed Godwits.

Bearded Tits were heard but not seen and we added Marsh Harrier, Wheatear and Greenshank to the list. The final wader of the day was a smart Little Stint. Record shot below.

A first Summer Black Stork had been reported for a few days just across from Oare on the Isle of Sheppey. Needless to say we made the trip round and watched from the Capel Fleet Raptor Viewpoint. Apart from a few Marsh Harriers it was quiet and after an hour or so things did not look promising. It was then located about 1/4 mile west and we walked down and had a brief but close view of it flying away before dropping down again.

Following a public footpath we headed out and then had some incredible views as it circled overhead.

What an amazing bird and even the weather had improved. A great end to the day.