Rainham Marshes, Folkestone, Hythe, & Isle of Sheppey

An early start at Rainham Marshes with the 2 Penduline Tits along the reeds at Aveley Pools. A brief look for the Serin drew blanks, before heading South East down to Folkestone Industrial Estate. A dodgy dealer approaching Lee and myself attempting to sell knock-off goods prevented us for photographing the Waxwings straight away.

The second Penduline Tit canj ust be made out on the bullrush behind, unfortunately this image was taken under terrible light © Ashley Howe

But at least 20 birds were together, which soon disappeared. We soon relocated the birds. Showing well and come down onto the berries to feed offering some great photo oppertunities.

Once they came down onto the berries, then some decent photo oppertunities came along © Ashley Howe

Onto Hythe where the Night Heron was still showing very well. Unbelievably at the same site as the Green Heron in October. We were there for a good hour and did the bird move once? Nope!!

The Heron didn't change from this pose for a whole hour! © Ashley Howe

In this time the Glaucous-winged Gull in Cleveland was confirmed, and we new we weren't going home later...

We continued the day with Dungeness, where we were basically too lazy to go anywhere so went into the visitor centre and left again. There were 3 Bewick's Swans along the road on the way out, as was a Marsh Harrier.

Up to Isle of Sheppey and the Rough-legged Buzzard, performed the best that i had seen it in the fast 4 years of visiting the island. A load of Marsh Harriers, and a Barn Owl were the only notable birds seen. Although it was unbelievably cold and it was threating to rain, neither of us could bear the element much more than necessary.

The journey up North began...