Red-necked Grebe at Denge Marsh

Friday 11^th February – Mild, overcast, SW2

Denge Marsh – 1400hrs From Springfield Bridge a pair of Stonechats feeding along the edge of Denge Marsh sewer were my first of the year at Dungeness. A Raven called overhead, while the flood held a mixture of Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, several Shelducks and about 100 Lapwings. On the open water a Red-necked Grebe, which has been present since last Sunday, showed well in front of the hide. This is only my third since moving to the Marsh five years ago and are pretty rare down here. The wintering Black-necked Grebe was also still present along with displaying Great Crested Grebes and Dabchicks. Had cracking views of a Cetti`s Warbler on the walk back to the bridge.