Took a few moments out of the breeding birds survey to watch a drove of boxing hares amongst the cattle.

Wonderful report today of booming numbers of bitterns (sorry!) across our wetlands. Very pleased Elmley now has several pairs and some obliging individuals across the Reserve #conservationsuccess RSPB News WWT

Wonderful to see a fall of yellow wags over the last few days. Through stewardship for ground nesting birds our breeding population has now grown to over 80 pairs of this brilliant little bird! #conservationsuccess

Bathy time for the newly arrived Yellow Wags at Elmley NNR yesterday. Bird Wise North Kent #YellowWagtail KOS

Hare in the twilight foraging along the flood edge, noticed that it really doesn’t like getting its feet wet, giving little flicks to get the water off with almost each step.

Wake up to the gentle sounds of nature in your very own hide. Our cosy huts are the perfect spot to enjoy birdwatching from bed.
Enjoy the wildlife at dusk and dawn, long wanders on the Reserve, food delivered to your hut and bathtub soaks in the wild.

Book your escape now.

Beautiful male Ruff in the beginnings of breeding plumage. Not seen Ruffs before crouching down like a Jack Snipe when a threat is perceived overhead, in this case a March Harrier.

Unexpectedly obliging, Jack Snipe, enjoying the morning sunshine.

White tailed Eagle from the Wellmarsh hide Elmley NNR this morning. As luck would have it, I had just bought a 2nd hand Canon 800mm f11 lens, which made shooting this bird a bit easier.

Geese looking a bit worried out in front of Wellmarsh hide this morning, a quick scan revealed a juvenile white tailed eagle have its breakfast of goose.

Visitors frequently ask when the wintering short eared owls leave by? Currently still 15 + on the reserve. Several birds both male & female have been singing & showing territorial behaviour. It is possible a pair may stay & attempt to breed, but most leave by early May.

The marsh is resounding with the sound of redshank calls as the males chases the females round in an attempt to mate, this can look quite comical but some chases end in fights which are brutal, slowed down the ferocious of the fight can be seen #Waderwednesday

25 moths (5 species) in last night's #mothtrap Small & Common Quaker, Clouded Drab, Hebrew Character & living up to its name an Oak Beauty.

Always fascinating to watch the scarce & elusive Jack Snipe responding to potential danger by adopting a crouching stance, relying on cryptic plumage be undetected.
Tilting its head, up to look for danger Elmley NNR #WaderWednesday
UK Half Snipe