Summer holiday birding part 4: Rainham Marshes, Essex, SE England

Rainham Marshes is a wetland area beside the River Thames to the south of London. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) manage the nature reserve there. Despite the close proximity to the metropolis, the area has been spared from drainage and development and is teeming with wildlife.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis (N=dvergdykker), pullus in foreground, adult behind.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta (N=silkehegre).

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa (N=svarthalespove).

Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti (N=cettisanger) with food for nearby young.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus (N=rørsanger).

Bearded Reedling Panurus biarmicus (N=skjeggmeis).