Kent Birding Highlights for July 2025

Bonaparte's Gull .

This month's report is more of an Oare Marshes highlights of the month as i only ventured away from there a couple of times during July.

All dates refer to Oare Marshes , any other sites will be mentioned separately.

1st JULY  

Looking from the pull-in towards the West Flood a Bittern was showing every so often by sticking its head & neck up above the reeds.

Spot the Bittern.

There was also up to 3 Cattle Egrets in superb summer plumage.

Cattle Egret.

2nd JULY

Bonaparte's Gull

News on the 2nd  filled me with joy as the  Bonaparte's Gull had once again returned for it's 13th year !!!

Such an iconic bird for Oare Marshes , thankfully it looks in pristine condition in it's full summer attire. (it's now in heavy moult).

Bonaparte's Gull.

3rd JULY

Caspian Tern with Black headed Gulls.

Oare marshes once again produced the goods on the 3rd with only it's 2nd ever record of Caspian Tern which was seen along Faversham Creek.

Needless to say i headed straight there (thanks for the lift MW).

Here are a selection of photos i took of the Caspian Tern :

Huge bill

Size comparison with Black headed Gulls

Caspian Tern.

8th JULY

Little Ringed Plover.

On the 8th we started off with a look over the East Flood, Black.T.Godwit, Redshank & Avocet were in good numbers , i also saw 2 Green Sandpipers.

A close in near the road Little ringed Plover was an added bonus.

From here we headed down to the Slipway and AE picked out a distant  male Common Scoter which was a very good find in July at Oare Marshes, it drifted off west towards Uplees and eventually out of sight.

15th JULY

Kent Woodland

On the 15th July i ventured out into one of Kent's many Woodland areas and was treated to some very close birds coming down to a puddle to drink, this puddle has now dried up and no longer visited by these birds sadly.

Here are a small selection of photos i took :

♀ Bullfinch

♂ Bullfinch

Dunnock

♀ Common Crossbill

♂ Common Crossbill

30th & 31st JULY

Back at Oare Marshes on the 30th & 31st was rewarded with a superb find by Alan Fossey : White-Rumped Sandpiper.

Just about see the white rump.

Nicely marked bird.

White-Rumped Sandpiper.