Observe and find out how to identify wetland birds. Discover how birds navigate and learn about the remarkable migrations they make.

Much of the day at Oare Marshes* will be spent in the field observing and learning about wetland birds and their key identification features. This will be timed to coincide with high tide when the maximum number of birds use the reserve’s floods and scrapes for roosting and feeding.

During the middle part of the day there will be a presentation on the subject of “Autumn Bird Migration” covering the reasons why birds migrate, how they navigate and prepare for their incredible journeys and the routes they take.

Information and advice will also be provided on binoculars, field guides and other birdwatching equipment.

Participants will be given instruction on how to identify the various species in the field together with information about the characteristics, habitats and behaviour of waders and other wetland birds.

By the end of the day it is expected that participants will be able to answer the following questions:

1. What are some of the characteristics used to identify waders and other wetland birds?

2. Autumn migration – why do birds migrate?

3. How do birds navigate over such prodigious distances?

Led by Tony Swandale, Ornithologist

Suitable for beginners and improvers.

Please note that there are no toilet facilities at this reserve.

Photo: Black-tailed godwit (Tony Swandale)

Due to the summer drought conditions, our Autumn Migration in North Kent has been rescheduled from Friday 11th September to Friday 13th November.

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What to bring: Binoculars/telescope, all weather clothing, walking shoes/boots, waterproofs, packed lunch and drink.

Standard specifications for binoculars: 8 - 10 x 30 - 50 mm e.g. 8 x 30, 8 x 40, 10 x 40, 10 x 50. Binoculars with zoom lenses or with magnifications over 10 x, and compact binoculars with lenses of less than 30 mm, are not recommended. Unfortunately, no binoculars are available to borrow.

*Parking charges apply at Oare Marshes but this is included with your ticket if you book at least 72 hours in advance. To receive free parking you must email the correct number plate of the car you will be using to parkingcharges@kentwildlife.org.uk at least 72 hours before the event start time. Please include the date of the event you have booked and the name the booking was made in as part of your email. If you are booking within 72 hours of the event, or do not confirm your number plate by this time, you will need to pay for parking on the day.

Description supplied by the event organiser.