Sunday and as is the norm, when we can't decide where to go we normally head for Dungeness.
With news Saturday afternoon of the presence of a couple of Penduline Tits around Arc Pit seen from Hanson Hide this is our first point of call.
After two hours of scanning and listening there is no sight nor sound of any Penduline's being present. The session did produce Several redhead Smew, male and female Goldeneye female Marsh Harrier two Chiffchaffs and a flyby appearance from a Glossy Ibis.
From here we headed towards the beach and scanned the gulls that were roosting by the fishing boats. No luck locating the Glaucous Gull this week and no Caspian or Yellow-legged among them either.
It was good to bump into mick and Richard along the beach front and enjoyed hearing about their recent trip to Morocco.
Heading back towards the reserve we stopped at the entrance to check out the Tree Sparrows in the hope of a couple of photos. but they stayed out of range hidden among the bushes along the back edge.
Deciding to head towards home we made a detour to Cliffe Pools when news of a Spoonbill on Flamingo Pool came through.
We quickly found the bird roosting among a flock of Shelduck and while watching the Spoonbill sleeping and occasionally preening there was news that the Penduline Tits had been re-located, this time seen from Hookers pit.
It was too late to return so we carried on enjoying the Spoonbill. With large flocks of Lapwings and Golden Plovers entertaining us overhead.
We got the Pendulines yesterday. Along with Long Tailed Duck, BlackNecked Grebe and the Glaucous Gull. Beautiful days well !!! Still loving the blog!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Adam
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great day.
I made another trip on Sunday for the Pendulines, but again had no joy.
The strong winds making it difficult to spot the birds as they were probably keeping low down among the reeds.
I did manage to get very good views of the Glaucous Gull roosting on the beach and in flight, and also managed close views of the Glossy Ibis.
I'm probably gonna go back this weekend for the Ibis. Also want to get to the patch for the little gulls, didn't have time on Saturday! They were really hard to spot!!! There were about 20 people with scopes trained on the area at Hookers where they were seen. Including (I'm pretty sure) Lee Evans!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the Ibis Adam, It's been in the area for at least a couple of weeks now.
ReplyDeleteNot sure where it roosts but I have seen it a couple of times flying overhead while in Hanson Hide, heading past the reserve in the direction of the horse paddock.
It seemed to be feeding well in the paddock while I was there on Sunday, so it maybe a regular place it visits.