Mild, overcast, drizzle, light airs - A gloomy, misty morning with light rain throughout delivered a scattering of spring migrants across the Dungeness peninsula. We started at Lade where at least 12 Chiffchaffs had dropped in overnight with several in the dry scrub but the majority around the ponds along with two singing Cetti`s Warblers. At least three Goldeneyes remained on south lake along with a host of common diving ducks, grebes, Coots, 30 Shovelers and four Teals. It was then on for a hike around Dengemarsh where the highlight was our first Sedge Warbler of spring singing from Hookers. The hayfields attracted a mixed flock of 100 Wigeons, Shovelers, Shelducks and Teals, plus two Water Pipits and a Glossy Ibis on hayfield 2. More Wigeons and Shelducks were noted on the wet fields behind the lake and at Boulderwall as well as 20 Curlews, four Redshanks, several pairs of displaying Lapwings, 50 feral geese, a Common Buzzard and a Marsh Harrier. Over the road a Willow Warbler in song at Tower Pits and a Swallow and a Sand Martin from Screen hide over the lake completed a fine suite of spring firsts. At least ten more Chiffchaffs were also noted and two Ravens.
Last Wednesday we had the warmest day of the year so far with the temperature into the mid-teens. As a result it brought forth a rash of insects in the garden and on our Ted walks including several Brimstones, Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshells.
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