WINDY BUT BLUE

It was a bit breezy on Monday 10th and any butterflies such as this red admiral, that wanted to enjoy the sun, had to find a tall sheltered bush. The footpath near the Firs Chase caravan site has a very sheltered section with lots of ivy coming into flower. Ten red admirals, comma, four speckled wood, two holly blue and a couple of small whites were seen.
Walking along Firs Chase there was a painted lady seen on some ivy which is the first for a fortnight.

The wind was noticeable whilst walking along the top of the seawall but at least the sun was shining. Only one or two small whites and a small heath were seen flying here whilst the dragonflies kept a low profile with only common darter and southern hawker seen.

The only small birds noted were four reed buntings along the edge of the borrowdyke and 15 linnets over the stubble fields. Also in one of these fields were 400 golden plover that stayed well hidden until a large group circled briefly overhead and one of the regular kestrels perched up on a telegraph pole.

There was the eyecatching sight of a family of carrion crows near the caravan site with one of the juveniles having very white wing-bars. Over the years there have often been juveniles in their first year that have varying amounts of white in the wings, which seems to moult out when they become adults.

Lots of gulls and waders waited along the edge of the saltings for the tide to drop. Mostly redshank, a few curlews and grey plovers, while various gulls such as great black-backed, lesser black-backed, herring, common and black-headed gulls were all waiting patiently.
The yellow-legged gull has been seen recently on a few occasions at its usual spot on the Strood but there was no sign today.

In the distance east of the Strood a male marsh harrier could be seen flying low over the channel to the mainland. Around 10 little egrets were seen over and alongside the saltmarsh with some taking up their fishing positions on brushwood breakwaters that happen to trap fish as the tide recedes. The picture below shows some of these brushwood breakwaters - or polder scheme.

The channels and creeks don't always look brown and murky, especially if the sky above is blue - and toady was one of those blue days!
The best part about the Strood Channel at high tide today was the lack of speed-boats roaring back and forwards. The birds were able to enjoy the Channel for themselves.