Close encounter with grasshopper warbler.

On Friday, 9 April, I went with David to Rainham. We went first to Ingrebourne Valley where a grasshopper warbler had been seen the previous day. The instructions were not precise and we had to walk all over the reserve to find the spot.

David found the bird which performed admirably for us, coming close and reeling from the middle of a nearby bush. It was very mobile however and neither of us managed to get a shot. This was a good start to a day which, on the whole, was rather disappointing. Nothing further of note was seen despite trips to Minster (didn't see ring ouzel) and Elmley marshes. At Elmley, however, the drive from the road to the car park was pleasant with views of about 100 curlews, a brown hare, several lapwings, redshank and other common birds. The Spring influx seems to be late this year.

Curlew.

Brown hare.
(David took this photo)