The Bonaparte's Gull has again returned to Oare marshes now for the eleventh year running. Looking just as smart as always, donning its full summer attire and well worth the trip to see it. The Gull was on the East flood when I arrived early doors so was not that interested as you are looking into the sun throughout the morning. I walked around the East flood with the reed beds full of avian life, Sedge and Reed Warblers feeding young as were Reed Buntings, Wrens and Whitethroats.
Reed Warbler.
It was good to see a few parties of young Bearded Tits, looking as smart as ever and also not camera shy.
Social media alerted me to the fact that the Bonaparte's had left the East flood to feed on the newly exposed mud from the now dropping tide, so I walked around the path from the sluice to the Swale where I got distant views of the bird, but nowhere near enough for any images.
Chatting to Terry Laws just east of the slip way and a Turtle Dove flew past, landing on the foreshore rocks very close to us. An opportunity not to be missed and a few pleasing images gained from this most unexpected moment.
I left and decided to return later in the afternoon to try and catch the Bonaparte's as it left the mud to roost over the high tide and saw Chiddy just East of the slipway and he was watching the Gull out on the mud but still quite distant. Joined also by Phil Smith, we waited as the encroaching tide pushed the Gull nearer to us. Although still just a little too far off, a few images were gained as it fed on the mud.
With no warning, the Gull decided to leave the mud and I was able to get a few distant images as it flew across the mud on its way back to the East flood.
As smart looking as ever and good to see that it has escaped the clutches of the current Avian Flu outbreak. A return visit planned for the weekend where hopefully it will venture a little closer.
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