Dungeness day out

I've been a little busy of late with all the usual family stuff but managed to steal a couple of hours yesterday to visit the Red-necked Phalarope at Little Marlows gravel pits a nice reserve which was new to me. Lot's of Great Crested Grebe with chicks and some still displaying courtship behaviour. A couple of Kingfishers buzzed up and down the lake and a Grass Snake was a surprise before I connected with the tiny Phalarope out in the middle of the lake. It was very actively feeding and took a few short flights but sadly didn't come close during my stay.

Little Marlow GP

Today I had a planned day release and took the Jims down to Dunge arriving at first light. We started the day down Galloways where we found at least three Whinchat, several Stonechat and a couple of Whitethroats. 

Whinchat

We arrived at the sea watch hide to find none of the locals had turned up which usually means it'll be a slow day and that's how it began with just the usual action from Terns and Gulls along with a few small flocks of Scoter passing. I wanted to visit earlier in the week when winds were more favourable but find I have to take my free days when they arrive now not when the winds are right. After a while a few other birders arrived and the Skua action began with no fewer than twelve Arctic Skuas with several stopping on route to harass the Terns. The highlight was an adult Pom Skua flying east at around 8.30am . Lot's of hirundines were on the move and a Sparrowhawk also headed out to sea. Scoters and Gannets passed and we saw seals and porpoise too along with a single Guillemot and Oystercatcher.

On the reserve we saw a Great White Egret and Glossy Ibis at Boulderwall farm before eight Cattle Egret dropped into the field behind the pool. From Hanson hide we found two Black Terns, four Common Sandpipers, a Little Stint and another Great White Egret along with lots of Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Blackwits. It was also good to see winter ducks building with Teal, Wigeon and Pintails present. A Snipe was an easy target for the camera resting just in front of the hide.

Blackwit

Meadow Pipit

Snipe

Sparrowhawk

Year list now 236 and just two short of my worst year. 

Think I might be able to squeeze another day out this coming week too....fingers crossed.