Americans in North Kent.

A rare trip for me to North Kent yesterday to see 3 rare birds with David and Paul. With a Lapland Bunting and the 2 American birds, a Wilson's Phalarope and a Long-billed Dowitcher it was a trip to savour. Unfortunately the trip didn't start well as when we arrived at the site where the Lapland Bunting was we were told that several people had been searching without any sightings. With that we headed straight to Oare Marshes where the 2 American waders were. Straight away they were both visible. I had last seen a Long-billed Dowitcher 10 years ago in exactly the same place when Matt and I headed over to see the bird. This was probably Matt's first twitch for a rare bird all those years ago. This current bird is probably the same bird that was here last Autumn, meanwhile the Wilson's Phalarope is not likely to stay for very long. This was my first Wilson's Phalarope. Other birds seen were many Golden Plover, Lapwing, Avocet, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Little Stint. A female Merlin put all the waders up which produced a great sight as large flocks of Golden Plover flew high in tight groups before coming back to the shallows.

Unfortunately, none of the birds came particularly close today, so only distant shots were possible. The previous day both of the American waders came much closer and the Lapland Bunting was also showing particularly well, but a doctors appointment meant that I had to wait for the Friday!!

Long-billed Dowitcher.

Wilson's Phalarope.

Long-billed Dowitcher and Wilson's Phalarope.

Long-billed Dowitcher with Golden and Green Plover.

A Common Snipe hiding in the undergrowth.

The Waders returning after being flushed by the female Merlin. (Spot the Phalarope).

Wilson's Phalarope, Dunlin and Lapwing preening together.

Is this smart enough chaps??

Ruff reflection.

Black-tailed Godwit reflection.

Avocet reflection.