An evening out with the Swale RG began at 7.40pm on Friday night when we
set off for the Isle of Sheppey. The trip was uneventful but on nearing the bridge to the
island a huge black cloud could be seen hanging in the distance. This was neither forecast or expected and we
feared that the session may be called off at the last minute. However we continued and arrived 45 minutes early allowing
time for a brief drop in at the Harty Ferry Inn. By 10.30pm we were at the potato sheds and kitting up before
being taken by 4x4 to some shallow pools on the marsh. 5 nets were erected before heavy rain started, and continued for some
minutes.
A few birds were captured prior to high tide at 2.30am with
more arriving at peak tide level. If turned out to be a pleasingly varied catch,
if of modest quantity.
I learnt that a) Curlews and Whimbrels smell very different
to other waders that I have handled, b) The group had never had a retrapped
Whimbrel before this catch, c) it is unusual to catch Black-tailed Godwit and
Golden Plover at this time of year at the site and d) I really should have more
appreciation for Stanwell mud which is much less glutinous than the mud
experienced at Harty.
Many thanks to Rod and the team.
Catch:
Grey Plover – 1
Golden Plover - 1
Black-tailed Godwit – 1
Bar-tailed Godwit – 1
Curlew – 3
Whimbrel – 9 (1)
Redshank –3
Greenshank – 1