The weather was kind and members had a very enjoyable visit to West Charlton Marsh. The visit begun at the sewage works where good views of 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest and a Blackcap set the tone for the day. A Water Rail was heard as we made our way through the marsh, wet and slippery (as can be confirmed by a certain member) but well worth the effort as the bay had large numbers of birds present. These included Shelduck. Wigeon, 6 Pintail, Curlew and Teal. Good views of 3 Great Crested Grebe and 3 Bullfinch were also seen from the hide. A total of 36 different species and hundreds of birds were seen.
Most of the group then went to the new hide at Stokely where lovely views of 5 Goldeneye and 4 Black-necked Grebe, 5 Little Gebe and the usual Gadwall and Tufted Duck were also seen. Our birding skills were fully tested as we managed to find the pair of Scaup present and these were eventually seen by all.
In total 49 different species were noted and it was good to see a couple of new faces at the meeting.
Lesley Goonesekera
