Tuesday 22 May 2018

Bitterns and Black Terns

Tower Pits - 0800hrs - warm, cloudy, N 2 - A wander around the back of the pits by the railway line produced several good flight views of a Bittern, plus a male `booming` away like the clappers from a thin reedbed where I could just about make out its contorted shape as it let rip. A Bittern was also seen from Screen hide. At least two Cuckoos were also on the go along with a host of Reed, Sedge and Cetti`s Warblers, Common and Lesser Whitethroats and a Blackcap. Two Marsh Harriers drifted over and a Hobby showed.



Lade - All quiet here apart from a few incoming migrants including 20 House Martins over the water, a few Swallows and a Yellow Wagtail winging inland. I`ve had several phones calls recently from local people enquiring as to what`s happened to "their" Swallow and House Martins during this latest of springs; we can only hope they eventually arrive in time to breed, if a little late...




  On a more positive note, juvenile Starlings and House Sparrows have been tumbling out of nest sites along the coastal housing strip these past few days and our garden has been full of them. They provide hours of entertainment as they beg for food from their parents and explore the garden with all its hidden dangers, such as the pond and windows.
Dungeness - An evening visit to the point to search for a Bee-eater seen earlier by DB drew a blank. However, on Burrowes three smart Black Terns were flying over the lake and landing on the islands in front of Dennis`s hide along with 20 Common and a Little Tern. Also noted Turnstone, Common Sandpiper, Curlew and Cuckoo.

                               Little, Common and Black Terns
 

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