RSPB Rainham Marshes - 16th January 2024

A very cold, sunny day so an ideal opportunity to visit Rainham. Quite icy, so not great on the wader front, but still some open water for the ducks. As to be expected the House Sparrows were showing well just outside the visitor centre.

There were large numbers of Fieldfares moving between the river wall and the reserve, but quite skittish.

The Kestrel gave amazing close views just off the river wall.

A few Marsh Harriers were present including this female who came in reasonably close.

Smaller birds included this Stonechat and Robin. Bearded Tits were heard but not seen!

A Little Grebe gave some good close up views.

The ducks looked really good in the Winter sunshine and this Shoveler was obviously trying to minimise contact with the ice.

Pintail must be one of my favourite ducks, so nice to get a couple of shots of this pair.

Finally on the duck section, some Wigeon flight shots.

And a lovely sighting at the Butts hide of this Mouse sneaking out and taking advantage of the crumbs left by lunching birders!

A great visit even if the reported Short Eared Owls didn't show later in the afternoon.