My rare off patch visit, to dungeness, with a long time birder mate, was on the whole a bit of a disappointment. I was expecting to find the likes of Redstart, Ring Ouzel, or even the Hoopoe that was seen the day before. Saying that, it was enjoyable to find the scrubby areas around the reserve filled to capacity with Sedge Warblers, and Whitethroats, their excitable song accompanied us throughout. Also enjoyable was the sighting of at least 4 Marsh Harriers.
The only other summer migrants seen were one or two Willow Warbler, a couple of Blackcaps, and Chiffchaffs, and a mixed flock of Sand Martins and Swallows. A total of 58 species was a little on the low side I thought. Overall though it was an enjoyable day, and I got to see many different birds that i have no chance of finding on my patch :-)
Speaking of my patch, my friend and I thought we would have a quick circuit of Migrant Alley later in the afternoon, it didn't disappoint, for coming over from the east we spied a RED KITE (86, 66), what a great way to end the birding day ! A cherry on the icing of the cake was finding a WHEATEAR on the paddocks too, a very nice hour long patch visit, you just never know do you :-)
No photo's today, it was too much to carry bins, scope and camera around all day, so the camera had a day off at home. More patch work tomorrow :-)
8 comments:
I wondered how you were getting on earlier on today Waren :) A shame you didn't see any of the hoped for birds but it still sounded like you had a good time although I sense it was good to get back on your own patch again.
Well done on the Red Kite and the Wheatear!
It's nice to visit other places Songbird, it's nicer to get home again though :-)
Did you just visit the RSPB reserve? If you did then you possibly missed the chance of seeing the birds you'd hoped for.
It's alway worth an hour or so looking around the old lighthouse and observatory plus the shingle area near the fishing boats when you've travelled so far.
A bonus seeing the Red Kite though.
Well done on jamming in on the Red Kite, Warren. Not had a patch one myself for a couple of years.
...glad the day ended well with a Red Kite at your patch-- and even though you didn't see your Redstarts and Ring Ouzels, it sounds like you had fun birding with your friend.
Dunge is pretty unpredictable but what a great way to finish the day!! :-)
Keith,
Yep ! Did all those places :-)
Nice one on the Red Kite Warren...Ive not managed to pick one up on the patch yet this year.
Post a Comment