Proper Seawatching

Dungeness - 0700hrs - mild, sunny, se3 - Now, I know seawatching isn`t everybodys cup of tea but this morning conditions were perfect and after the fog bound watches of the past week all was forgotten as the birds rolled by in front of a hideful of very happy locals. I could only do an hour but there was a continuous stream of Gannets, Brents, divers, gulls, terns, scoters and associated ducks clipping the point. Highlights for me were the large flocks of close Gannets (I`m a sucker for a big bird!) plus my first Velvet Scoters and Little Gulls of the year. Mixed flocks of ducks are always a challenge as they fizz by low over the water but in amongst the numerous scoters were a variety of Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall, Pochard and Mergansers. Bonxies were also noted and later on several Black-throated Divers and Manx Shearwaters, which I missed. For a full roll call check the DBO website.
Springfield Bridge - 1500hrs - Several Swallows over the water and the expected dabbling ducks on the flood. Whilst watching the Marsh Harriers displaying Marshman called - the Serins were back at the point.
By the time I arrived they`d done the off. Firecrest, Chiffchaff, Black Redstart, Wheatears, a Swallow and loads of Linnets in the area but no sign of the sulky little finches. As I left site had a stroke of luck when a male Ring Ouzel flew in front of the car by the Brit pub.
We had 2 birders stay this evening, Alan and Brenda Fossey, from Faversham. For some proper pics check out their blog via the website  http://www.fossey.com/

                                          Linnet, Dungeness - smart, but no Serin...