Had a really nice day today with a couple of people new to birding. So there was lots see as ever at Dunge. The day started with probably our highlight, on the way to the obs. when a female MERLIN showed really well and was intent on chasing Magpies and a Crow, we probably watched it for nearly 10 minutes, it flew right passed the car on a couple occasions and gave reasonable scope views when stopped for a breather every so often. Heading on to the Observatory, we managed to see several Siskins and Redpolls being ringed, great to see close up.
We went to the reserve next and walked the trail. Duck numbers are starting to build, WIGEON noticeably on the increase and a few PINTAIL about. There were 2 female GOLDENEYE on ARC and across the reserve SHOVELER were in various stages of eclipse. A deep call alerted us to 2 RAVENS flying over Burrowes Pit and several CETTI'S WARBLERS called from a few areas around the reserve and we heard BEARDED TITS at Christmas Dell hide but they only showed briefly in flight. A single STONECHAT was outside Dengemarsh Hide. We ended the day on around 60 species and managed a great meal in The Pilot!!
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| Great Crested Grebe on Hooker's Pit |
6 comments:
Great shots, lovely bird.
It's great seeing birds in the hand Alan, you see just how small they really are :-)
Sounds like a good day, with more than a hint of winter species Alan. Hoping to go there myself on thursday.
Alan ,
Once again Dunge comes up with the goods .
The Penduline Tit would have rounded the day off nicely .
Sounds like a great day at Dunge delvering up the goods. Bet your new birders are hooked already :) Snap on the redpoll ringing at Languard Obs this morning; they do look so fragile and tiny when not seen through bins. I walked straight into the Heligoland trap without realising I was in it; I'm sure if I was a bird I'd be a sparrowhawk's dream!
Hi Bengt, Thank you, the Grebe was very obliging :-)
Hi Warren, that always surprises me, as you say great to see.
Hi Phil, it was a lovely day, I hope you see plenty on Thursday :-)
Hi Greenie, Dungeness always seems to hold some good birds and a good variety, I'm pleased it's pretty close.
Hi Rach, I think the new birders want to come out again, which is great, as you know I love sharing the sightings with people. That was good to see some birds in the hand and nice to know the Heligoland works!! :-)
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