Baillons Crake takes Rainham List 2012 to 99

A first for me as this was the earliest i had been birding before, it was still dark and about 5.30am. After reaching the hide, front row seats had already gone and the first standing row was building. I took my place next to Tony who new the approximate area the bird had been seen the day before.

 

It wasnt long before a bird was seen in the channel just in front of Butts Hide; finally connecting with it for a bit before it vanished and wasnt seen again for some time. Not the best of views but they all count.

 

That takes the Rainham 2012 list to 99.

 

Also seen; a group of c25 Little Egret flew in, Water Rail x2, Little Grebe

 

On the way back from the hide i took brief stops at the jetties off the Northern Boardwalk: Snipe x4, Greenshank x6, Green Sandpiper, Redshank. A Hobby flew low over the reed edge.

 

Thanks to Howard and the volunteers who openned up early again; the reserve looked amazing that early as the sun came up slowly revealing the floating mist.