Bonaparte's Gull, Oare Marshes, Kent. 17th July 2024

After the excitement of the Franklin's Gull it was on to Oare Marshes in Kent. A look around the cottages failed to locate any Turtle Doves so it was on to East Flood to check out the waders. As to be expected there were good numbers of Black-Tailed Godwits, Avocets and Redshank. Four or five Dunlin still in breeding plumage were good to see as was a Marsh Harrier and briefly, a Yellow Wagtail. The bird we were hoping to see was a Wood Sandpiper, and it duly obliged, albeit distant for photography.

Continuing the Gull theme we also located a couple of Mediterranean Gulls.

A walk around the reserve also gave us Whimbrel, Curlew, and Shelduck. Bearded Tits were heard but not seen and smaller birds included Reed Bunting and some good views of Linnets.

A surprise for me was this Wall Brown butterfly, a species I have never photographed before. Not the best camera set up for butterflies, but I managed a couple of shots.

We located the Bonaparte's Gull on the mud by the slipway. I got some shots of it feeding before it suddenly took off and headed towards the East Flood where it can be tricky to locate, so thankfully we got to see it. It is the 12th year that this North American bird has visited Oare and great to see it in full breeding plumage.

A wonderful end to a great day, and for once we had some decent weather!