Scaup

Dungeness RSPB - 1000hrs Four visitors from London enjoyed a wide range of wildfowl on the bird reserve today, in bracing weather conditions, the highlight being three Scaup (two drakes and a duck) which pitched down on Burrowes around midday. As far as I`m aware these are the only records of Scaup on the pits this winter. Large numbers of Shoveler were noteworthy; I counted at least 300 on Burrowes alone, plus a scattering of Shelduck and Goldeneye. Several Marsh Harriers on the wing and the Ravens seen flying towards the power station. Behind Christmas Dell 50 Wigeon in the wet fields and at least 6 Dabchicks and Great Crested Grebes on Dengemarsh. Several flocks of Curlew and Lapwing overhead.
Over the road at ARC a flock of 20 Pied Wagtails contained 2 Rock Pipits, one of the Scandinavian race, littoralis. A `ringtail` flapped out across Tower pits and several more Marsh Harriers, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk noted. On the pit 9 Smew, 5 Goldeneye and a Slav Grebe. Chiffchaff from the Willow Trail.

                                         Two of the 3 Scaups on Burrowes.