Kent Birding

A trip to the Isle of Sheppey today, but first a stop off at Lower Halstow for the Black Brant and the Dark-bellied Brent Geese. Hadn't checked the tide times, but the tide was out and the Brent Geese were spread far across the mud flats with no sign of the Black Brant. A return at a higher tide was required, but good views were had of Shelduck, Redshank, Dunlin & Grey Plover.

Onto Sheppey and the Capel Fleet Raptor Viewpoint. Seven Common Cranes were viewable but exceedingly distant. My "record shot" didn't even make today's montage. As for raptors, there was a Marsh Harrier, but the exposed nature of the viewpoint didn't make me inclined to hang around for more raptor watching. The car though made a nice comfortable hide and roadside birds included Fieldfare and Golden Plover.

A drive down the approach track to Elmley is always worth doing. RCB's close encounter with a Lapwing and the Juvenile Redshanks were of interest. From the reserve notice board I found out high tide would be at 17:40 a bit after dark! But hopefully from around 15:40 the birds at Lower Halstow would be closer.

So back to Lower Halstow and indeed the birds were closer, but no immediate sign of the Blank Brant. Walking further round the sea wall and finally there it was, but fairly distant. Like a Black Guillemot the best distinguishing feature of a Black Brant is the large white patch on its side and even at distance this bird was unmistakable. I tried to walk round further to get a closer shot, but the ins and outs of the creeks concealed it from any closer view and with fading light I headed home.

Today's montage Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Shelduck, Juvenile Redshank, Dark-bellied Brent Geese & Black Brant with a couple of Shovelers.