North Kent - Isle of Sheppey - Part 1 The Search for Migrants Begins!

 The crew of two (Pete and I) spent yesterday in North Kent searching for migrants on the Isle of Sheppey. The Island has diverse range of habitats which is perfect for re-fuelling tired migrants. The Swale separates the island from the mainland and is an important feeding ground between the tides.

The morning was perfect for checking patches of tree and bushes surrounding Leysdown FC and the environs of Priory Hill Campsite. It was not too long before migrant of the day a juvenile Pied Flycatcher showed itself whilst hawking low flying insects from a bush situated close to the campsite. The bird exited stage left finding a taller tree to perch on before continuing its feast.

There were plenty of passerines in the area including several Willow Warblers who chased low flying insects from scattered bushes. Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat were also present along with most of the common species.

It was good to see so many Blackbird moving around. This species becomes very shy and becomes almost Pitta like hopping around during their period of moult.

After a fry up in the mobile observatory we walked The Swale and Shellness NNR positioning ourselves at the bunker at the point to watch the tide come in. Reasonable numbers of Sandwich Tern were present with only a single Common Tern. Around 3000 Oystercatcher had taken up a familiar position on the bay before a jetskier decided to interrupt their roost by landing amongst them!!!

A Little Stint was the find of the high tide roost along with a Knot that patrolled the shoreline. Small groups of Dunlin and a couple of Sanderling were also noted.

Ringed Plover were numerous in the area with Dunlin taking flight with them when groups briefly took to the skies.

Behind us on the salt marsh Curlew gathered as the tide rose. It was a fantastic sight to see so many birds together in one area.

Mid afternoon we moved to Capel Fleet and Harty Ferry in search of more migrants. (Part 2)

We returned to the Harty Ferry side of The Swale NNR during the evening to watch the Black Tailed Godwit moving from the roost at Oare Marshes along The Swale. There was a handful of Bar Tailed Godwit seen along with a Mediterranean Gull.

Part 2 to follow!