Oare Marshes & Stour Valley

                                                      19th March 2022

                                                        Oare Marshes

                                                           

♂ Garganey

After an early morning walk at Reculver which didn't produce anything out of the ordinary the plan was to head to Oare Marshes , news of a drake Garganey on the West flood came through whislt we were on route.

Once again a walk out to the West flood was successful , the Garganey showed well but was obscured alot of the time as it swam through the reeds, this was a most welcome year tick.

Stodmarsh & Grove Ferry

There was also news of several Garganey being seen in the Stour Valley so that was the next location !!

A walk around to the Reedbed Hide soon produced superb views of both male & female Garganey.

♂ Garganey with  ♂ Shoveler

♀ Garganey

♂ Garganey having a preen.

♀ Garganey having a preen.

Garganey.

I think Garganey are really stunning birds and always make me feel spring is not to far away.

A  visit to Grove Ferry was rewarded with a Ruff from the ramp  and a fly over Water Pipit near the David Feast hide, good to see Martyn .W. who kindly pointed out the Ruff.