Dungeness 09/05/21

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Weather conditions looked promising today with southerly winds, and at peak migration time for birds Dungeness seemed a logical place to visit.

The day started with a seawatch from the beach. I had missed an earlier thunderstorm, and a small group of distant Pomarine Skuas. Common Scoter were passing in flocks up to about 50, with around 250 in total during the next 90 minutes.  However, other passage proved to be a bit light, and included one group of Brent Geese, several Kittiwake, and what were probably two Great Northern Diver, unfortunately too distant to be totally sure of the id. In the power station complex Alan spotted a male Black Redstart.

After a break for coffee we headed to the Long Pits area, which held good numbers of Common Whitethroat and two Lesser Whitethroat. There was still little sign of sunshine at this stage, though a fairly pristine Painted Lady caught the eye in spite of the cool conditions.

The west end of the ARC pit held a Glossy Ibis, and whilst there the sun broke through and activity from birds of prey picked up, with 2-3 Hobbies and a Buzzard. Several small flocks of Whimbrel were also seen.

En route to the RSPB reserve there were three pristine Common Gulls and another Hobby.

Glossy Ibis & Black-headed Gulls

Whimbrel flying past the water tower on ARC pit

Hobby

Hobby

Linnet (male)

Common Gull

Painted Lady

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