Returning Bonaparte's Gull......... Oare Marshes

                                                     8th July 2023 : Oare Marshes 

Bonaparte's Gull.

News came through on the 6th July that the superb Bonaparte's Gull had returned to Oare Marshes for it's 11th successive year !!

I couldn't get to Oare Marshes until the following Saturday the 8th and thankfully i enjoyed prolonged views of this stunning bird in all it's superb summer plumage.

Eating a nice juicy worm.

In flight.

Bonaparte's Gull

Roosting on East Flood at High tide.

It was an enjoyable session this morning, great to bump into Rob & Thomas who put me onto a flyby Black Tern (well picked out by Thomas).

Black Tern photo by Thomas.

There wasn't many waders on the East Flood as water levels are to high at the moment, hopefully KWT will release some water soon !!!!

But i did see a superb Ruff , thanks for the info MW & RR.

Ruff on East Flood.

16th July  : Oare Marshes

Best foot forward.

Another visit to Oare Marshes on the 16th July produced more cracking views of the Bonaparte's Gull on the mud east of the slipway , great to bump into David & Noah today.

Bonaparte's Gull.

It was better weather wise today and a walk up to Dan's Dock was productive with several Dainty Damselfly's seen.

Dainty Damselfly.

The Marsh Frogs were in good voice as usual plus a couple of Grass Snakes were seen.

Marsh Frog.

Grass Snake.

Back at the East Flood we saw a rare plant and i was reliably informed it's a type of bindweed called Stonestreetii 

Stonestreetii