A trip to Oare Marshes on a frosty December morning

Wherever I’m going in the morning, if the light promises to be good, I’ll always aim to arrive at my destination well before sunrise. There’s nothing like being the first person on the scene, although I’m always surprised at the number of early morning dog walkers.

Arriving at Oare Marshes on 5th December the pre-dawn light was something to behold and, with sub-zero temperatures and not a breath of wind I began to take in the beauty of the reserve. To the north, towards Sheppey, a pink hue filled the large sky.

To the west, cattle grazed in the frozen meadow.

All the birds on the scrape were mere silhouettes: teal lapwing, snipe and black-tailed godwit being easily identifiable from their outlines and behaviour. Other than the birds on the scrape, there was little ‘lbj’ activity early on. A marsh harrier spooked the teal, which circled over the scrape before settling back down to roost.

I walked slowly over to the creek, passing a few blackbirds that were feeding on berries from the thorn bushes. I settled near the sluice for the next hour, witnessing a small group of reed buntings eagerly feasting on the seed heads of the reeds. Even though the sun was now above the horizon, the frost remained on the reeds for a further hour.

I then continued my tour or the reserve, heading north towards the Swale. With the tide coming in redshank, little egret, lapwing, curlew, dunlin, ringed plover and more godwits were squeezed onto a smaller area of mud. In small groups many of them then moved onto the reserve.

By 10.30am there was still not a breath of wind and a gorgeous light persisted, making beautiful reflections of boats on the Swale.

By now, with extremeties feeling the cold I headed back home very content with my morning at Oare.