Rainham Marsh Trip

As I was giving a presentation to Hornchurch local RSPB group last night, I thought a few hours beforehand at Rainham Marsh Reserve would be good. Weather was constant drizzle intermingled with heavier rain but some good birds nevertheless.
A whinchat and hobby were spotted upon leaving the cafe and then bearded tit at the dragonfly pond as well as several sedge and reed warblers. From the main hide at the west end of the reserve little egrets, pintail and little grebes were seen, with another fly over hobby. As I walked around I heard a spotted redshank calling from the long grass and then found one in a small pool. From the main viewing point were 2 common snipe, 1 jack snipe, a curlew sandpiper and another hobby along with a grey heron.
Near the cafe upon my return a strange silhouette could be seen flying along the river walk: a green budgie! Hobby food soon, I suspect.
However, the highlight was finding a water vole in one of the drains, peacefully eating and none too fussed by the attention I gave it.

confiding water vole

water vole

Grey day at Rainham Marsh

little grebe

kestrel going in for the kill

spotted redshank

upside down lapwing

aerial display from lapwing

distant hobby in very poor light

grey day, grey heron