Swallows and a first SKUA of 2018

Destination Dunge this morning arriving for first light. We took in a couple of hours in the sea watching hide where a single local was already counting Gannets and Terns. We were joined by another two guys and trying to ignore the constant call of "Fulmar down" Scoter up" etc we concentrated on trying to find something a little different and before long I'd found a single light phase Arctic Skua which was my first of the year. The bird vanished but was again picked up shortly later this time a little nearer and gave good views to all in the hide.

No seeds left in the sunflowers.

With this tick in the bag we left for Denge Marsh where we scoped from Springfield bridge and found Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ruff, Common Sandpiper and then Wood Sandpiper for another year tick. The fence line was alive with Sandmartins in the hundreds with good numbers of other hirundines too.

The fences were full of Sandmartins

A quick stop at Elmley where we found a family of Swallows that entertained us for a while but with the reserve now very dry the only other birds of note were a Green Sandpiper, Marsh Harriers and a couple of Yellow Wags.

Swallow at Elmley

Swallow

Swallow slam

Swallows

Missed!

Swallows

Feeding time

READY!

We had hoped for a little early migrant action but this didn't work out too well but still a good mornings birding.

Year list now 227