White-tailed Plover

Rainham Marshes RSPB

White-tailed Plover

I was in Spain when the recent Seaforth White-tailed Plover was found a few weeks ago; so I couldn't believe my luck when the Blackberry went off this morning informing me that, presumably the same bird, was showing on the Aveley pools at Rainham Marshes RSPB.
Mike picked me up at 14.00 and we set off from Cheshire in the direction of London, the traffic was bad near the capital but we eventually arrived at 18.00.

After a short walk we were watching the White-tailed Plover, initially through reeds but eventually out in the open. The bird made 2 short flights in the hour and a half we were on site, allowing the upper wing and tail to be clearly seen. Other species seen on the main pool included, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank and 1 Little Ringed Plover. We also managed to relocate one of the two Wood Sandpiper found earlier in the day by the reserve warden at the top end of the Aveley pools. The walk back to the car produced another year tick in the form of Ring-necked Parakeet. An excellent days birding and a contender for bird of the year alongside the Marmora's Warbler.