Dungeness 21/05/26

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Not sure where to go this morning then news came through of a Red-breasted Flycatcher at Dungeness so that provided a solution.

The bird was in the moat with about four other birders there when we arrived. It was a sunny morning and the flycatcher was quite active, singing on and off, a very pleasant song. It occasionally showed in a gap in the bushes close to the ground. 

Although a male it didn't have a red-orange breast, just a creamy throat and thus was probably a first summer bird.

Afterwards we walked round the Long Pits trying to see one of the Spotted Flycatchers that had been reported, though had no luck. There were a couple of singing Lesser Whitethroats though it was generally quiet.

Four-spotted Chasers were near the water, also some Red-eyed Damselflies.

Butterflies included my first Small Heath and Brown Argus of the year.

Near the end of the day we visited the RSPB reserve, checking the new scrape near Boulderwall Farmhouse where a Black-winged Stilt had been reported. There was no sign of it though a Little Ringed Plover was present.

Red-breasted Flycatcher 




Four-spotted Chaser

Red-eyed Damselfly

The Long Pits

Brown Argus

Marsh Frog

Little Ringed Plover 

Brown Hare


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