Owls at Rainham and returning Fulmar in Kent

Having seen my first U.K. Little Owl last week I decided to try and up my owl tally and go on the hunt for some Shorties. I did a bit of searching online first and settled on RSPB Rainham as the most likely spot. That choice proved to be a success as not only did I see three (at least) Shorties but one of the resident Barn Owl was also viewable as it snoozed at the entrance to its box. Nice surprise!
Other highlights of the day were Peregrine, Kestrel, Buzzard and Marsh Harrier, Snipe and Pintail (nfy), Dartford and Cetti's Warbler, Redwing, Fieldfare and a flyover Rook!

A Brief visit to Kent with Rachelle saw us do a small bit of birding along the coast, picking up Redshank, Golden,Grey and Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Curlew, GBB Gull, Oystercatcher and as the title of this post suggests Fulmar. Neither of realised that Fulmar returned to the cliffs this early in the year so we were delighted to see them, not least because they are one of Rachelles favourite birds.

 

Fulmar - Kent

Fulmar pair - Kent

Snipe

Marsh Harrier

Pintail

Short-eared Owl

Shoveler

Carrion Crow (leucistic)

Redwing

Barn Owl

 

 

A walk in the park(s)

 

I recently had the good fortune to meet up with Ralph Hancock who runs an excellent daily blog covering the birds and wildlife of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Ralph kindly agreed to meet up with me and show me around some of the better birding spots of the area. Many species of bird here actually recognise Ralph and frequently come to his hand to be fed nuts or seeds. I was lucky enough to have a few birds also come to my hand! These included Blue, Great and Coal Tit and Robin! A truly wonderful experience.
Some of the days other highlights included my first U.K. Little Owl, discovering a previously unknown Little Owl in residence and some curious behaviour from a juv. Mute Swan towards an Egyptian Goose chick. Ralph was extremely knowledgeable about the area and it was very interesting to learn about some of the gardens history. I am very grateful to him for his time and expertise and suggest you cast an eye over his blog for some excellent photos and to get a feel for this surprisingly diverse wildlife haven located in such an urban area.


While in the city I also visited James' Park. There, admittedly, most of the wildfowl are 'plastic' but that said they do make for nice shots and some birds are just plain cheeky!

I have also had a wander around more locally, through Bushy Parks 'Woodland Garden'. Here are a few pics from my travels plus a few others from the garden. Enjoy.

Pintail - James' Park

Pochard - James' Park

White Pelican - James' Park

White Pelican - James' Park

White-headed Duck - James' Park

Goldfinch - Garden Feeder

Siskin - Bushy Park

Little Owl - Kensington Gardens

Little Owl - Kensington Gardens

Jay - Ken. Gardens

Jay - K.G.

Treecreeper - K.G.

Magpie - K.G.

Little Owl - K.G. (new bird)

Carrion Crow - K.G.

Gadwall - Hyde Park

juv. Mute Swan harassing Egyptian Gosling - Hyde Park

unscathed Egyptian Gosling - H.P.

Little Owl - K.G.

Blue Tit  - Kensington Gardens

 

Feral Pigeon 'selfie' - James' Park