Garganey & Bean Goose

Dungeness - 0815hrs - cold, grey, e2 - Today`s murk was in complete contrast to the brightness of yesterday, but hey, did we let that dampen our spirits, definitely not, that`s what makes Dunge such a great place to be, variety is the spice of life and all that, and there was certainly plenty of variety amongst today's birds. Picked up the Joker and headed for the Point to check for Wheatears, of which there were none. The sea was very quiet with just a trickle of Kitts, Gannets, Red-throats and the usual string of Great Crested Grebes on the sea.
On to the bird reserve and 2 redhead Smew on New Diggings.  From Springfield Bridge, Marsh Harriers over the reedbed, 50 Wigeons on the field and a Raven overhead. A drive around the Galloways road produced at least 14 Corn Buntings in different locations and a pair of Stonechats.
We then had a look for yesterdays Garganey at Boulderwall without success, but returned later for brief views of a splendid drake amongst the Wigeons and Teals, plus a pair of Smews and the Great White Egret. From the ramp the Bittern `boomed`, Marsh Harriers displayed over the reedbed and Cetti`s Warbler were in fine voice; but yesterdays Taiga Bean Goose was not visible amongst the mixed flock of feral geese in the fields behind Hookers. On Burrowes the Long-staying Duck was still present at the north end.
Had another couple of goes at Dengemarsh this afternoon which resulted in better views of the Garganey and distant views of the Taiga Bean Goose in fading light.

                                           Garganey, Boulderwall - a horrible record shot