WAY MARKERS

1

From the car park viewpoint, scan the fields for Wigeon, Teal, Curlew, Lapwing, Snipe. Redshank and Golden Plover, also geese, swans and raptors. Winter thrushes are often present along with Sky Lark and Meadow Pipit. Check the bird feeders, scrub and orchard for buntings, tits, sparrows and finches; Long-eared Owls have roosted here in the past.

2

The viewpoint looking across The Swale is good for waders and wildfowl moving along the channel including Brent Geese, Redbreasted Merganser and Shelduck. At high tide, look for large flocks of Wigeon on the water. Another good point for scanning for raptors inland, typically harriers and buzzards, plus Barn and Short-eared Owls.

3

The hides overlook meres and scrapes suitable for wintering ducks and waders including Pintail, Wigeon, Blacktailed Godwit, Ruff, Avocet and Green Sandpiper, egrets, and raptors such as Merlin, Peregrine and Marsh Harrier. Check small reedbeds for Bearded Tit, Reed Bunting and Water Rail.

4

The Spitend hide is the best spot for overlooking the tidal reaches for Brent, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Knot, also chance of Red-breasted Merganser, Slavonian Grebe and Eider. Passerines can include Stonechat, Meadow and Rock Pipits, plus a chance of Snow Bunting.