Thirteen and still looking good.

For the thirteenth year running, the Bonaparte's Gull has returned to Oare marshes to spend the summer months and still looking as good as ever. Looking closely, the summer moult has just about started and it will not be long until the handsome black hood will have disappeared, before the Gull moves on to winter in unknown parts. I spent Wednesday afternoon (9th July) at Oare to see the bird before it loses it's summer attire.

Also out on the mud of the Swale were a few Mediterranean Gulls, this individual looking rather scruffy into it's summer moult.

A favourite of mine when visiting Oare is to stand along the path by the sea watching hide and catch the many Black-tailed Godwits as they fly off the east flood to feed on the wet mud from the dropping tide of the Swale.

On the east flood along with the Godwits, were 3 Little Ringed Plovers. The biggest noticeable absence on the flood was the water, there is none apart from small puddles here and there. 

Why ???