Shore Lark Sunday 24th Jan.

Today we visited the Isle of Sheppey, starting at Shellness, going to Minster then Elmley and finishing at the raptor viewpoint. Although 60 plus species were seen some key targets like Whitefronts, Short-eared Owls, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Bearded Tits and the Richards Pipit failed to show or I missed them! Star birds however were the Pale Bellied Brents, Hooded Crow, Marsh Harriers and the bird of the day had to be the Shore Lark at Minster. A fairly long walk on the beach at Barton Point eventually turned up the goods briefly as it flew off away, some more walking we found it at the end of the beach when it took flight and headed back the way we came. Eventually it was re-found and stayed put enabling good views and a photo or two.

Shore Lark well camouflaged