Sunday 24 September 2017

Drift migrants

Dungeness - mild, sunny, se 2 - With a light south-easterly airflow there was only one place to start the day - with a seawatch by the hide where plenty of close Gannets and Sandwich Terns were noted, plus a few passing Brents, Common Scoters and Arctic Skuas. On the land a scattering of Chiffchaffs, Reed Buntings, Mipits, Stonechats and Goldfinches were present along with several Grey Wagtails overhead and a Firecrest in the lighthouse garden. A Pied Flycatcher caught in the trapping area was only the second of the autumn, as was a Red-backed Shrike found by DB (who else!) near South View cottage.


                                Pied Flycatcher DBO

                               Red-backed Shrike, which was seen to catch a lizard

Lade - On the local patch a Firecrest in the back garden and the regular Osprey over heading towards Kerton Road were the highlights. On south lake, five Common Terns, a Ruff and Common Sandpiper, plus a scattering of Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests in the willow swamp.
A midday visit to the beach by the Varne boat club at Littlestone revealed large numbers of waders feeding in the muddy pools, particularly Ringed Plovers which numbered at least 120.

5 comments:

  1. Hi Paul,

    What is the six figure grid reference for a viewpoint over Lade bay for Barwit and knot ? At low tide I'm guessing too. Website called 'Grid Reference Finder' may help. Thank you very much!

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  2. Hi James, the grid reference is TR 082 219 opposite 144 The Parade, Greatstone. Good luck.

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  3. And visit there at what time tidewise for knot and barwits ?

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  4. It depends on the height of the tide, but a falling tide is best. Allow roughly two hours after high tide for neaps and four hours for springs.

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