A Morning at Dungeness

Dungeness is one of Brian's favourite sites, and one that we tend to head towards if we are struggling for a site to visit.

Arriving around 7.30am we would normally head straight for the beach and a bit of seawatching. But with the mist quite heavy we head instead for the moat.

A walk around the area produces very little of any note. So after an hour or so we decide to make our way towards the beach.

Reaching the hut, we find a local birder is the only other person present. Plenty of Red-throated Divers going through, with greater numbers of Brent Geese. Auks were also moving through in good numbers with mainly Guillemots seen but with some Razorbills also noted within the groups.

Small numbers of ducks were on the move with Gadwall, Wigeon, Shelduck and Pintail all noted along with a single Goosander.

Common Scoter were seen in small groups and among one of these groups two Velvet Scoter were found. Two Sandwich Terns sitting on the prominent yellow buoy were also added for another year tick.

Little Gulls were seen, with twenty birds noted in the time we were there. Two close-in Kittiwakes was another very welcome sight.

A singing Black Redstart was heard and then found on the power station wall, and another year tick was added when dad spotted a Chiffchaff  on the same wall. 

A brief stop at Arc Pit hoping to spot the Firecrest that was present yesterday, only produced Goldcrest. But another three Chiffchaffs were seen.

At the reserve entrance there was the usual but very welcome sight of Tree Sparrows feeding in the garden and Great White Egrets were again present with four birds seen during our visit.

While watching Reed Buntings at the reserve feeders, Tree Sparrows were making brief appearances now and again.

Chaffinch

Reed Bunting

Not a bad morning's birding at all.