LEO at Elmley

An afternoon in Kent with Ephraim, Paul and Brendan. Our first stop was Elmley Marshes. Viewing from the car along the entrance track to the reserve we noted Marsh Harrier, Curlew. Then from the car park; Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wagtail. Our target bird was the Long-eared Owl that has been roosting in the orchard a short walk from the car park. We walked up to the orchard and it was not long before we connected with a roosting Long-eared Owl. We enjoyed excellent views and in fact the pic below does not do it justice. After enjoying the owl for some time we headed over to St Margrets at Cliffe. Here we were hoping to see Wryneck. We parked the car and started walking and as we were walking two different birders stopped their cars as they were leaving to give us directions to the Wryneck. This proved most helpfull as we were able to walk along the cliff top and we soon connected with the Wryneck. We enjoyed good views but the bird was a little flighty. Also seen here; Wheatear, Whinchat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Gannet.