Weasel

Warm, dry and sunny, E2 - It continues to be quiet across the Dungeness peninsula of late as the spring migration heads into the last lap before the summer doldrums. This morning we checked Dengemarsh Gully where there were plenty of Whitethroats, Linnets, Sedge and Reed Warblers, several Stonechats and Wheatears plus a Raven overhead. However, it was good to see around 30 Common Terns settling on the islands and the two new rafts out from Dengemarsh hide, where also Marsh Harrier, Great White Egret, Bearded Tit and a `booming` Bittern noted. Whilst scanning from Springfield Bridge we had an incredible close encounter with a Weasel that popped up by the sluice and ran towards me on the bridge and under the gate; I can only think that it must`ve had kits nearby.  

                                  Weasel - Springfield Bridge

                                  Ted eyeing up the Weasel!

On the way home we called in at the sea-watch hide and spent half an hour with the locals, in dreadful hazy light, seeing nothing much apart from a few terns fishing offshore. Kerton Quarry and Lade were also checked without success. The landscape has taken on the appearance of high summer being parched and desiccated; we could really do with some rain... 

                                 Sea Kale - Dungeness