Dengemarsh

Lade - 0900hrs - mild, sunny,w4 - At last sunshine and no rain, although a stiff westerly blowing across the lake kept the temperature down. Virtually nothing on the water apart from a few Coots and Great Crested Grebes. Around the willows 2 Cuckoos, a Spotted Flycatcher and plenty of singing Reed Warblers and Whitethroats.
Dengemarsh - 1330hrs - Spent the afternoon doing the circular walk around Dengemarsh. Few waders due to the high water levels, apart from 2 Whimbrels on the flood, an Oystercatcher and several Lapwings and a Redshank on the hay field. On the lake 10 Pochards, Shoveler, Dabchick and Gadwall plus at least 30 Common Terns on and over the rafts. Over the reedbed 2 Hobbies and 50 Swifts. From the ramp the Bittern `boomed` twice and a perched Hobby showed well, as did at least 4 Marsh Harriers. The back track across the farmland delivered 2 pairs of Yellow Wagtail, a Wheatear and a singing Corn Bunting.

                                         Whimbrel, Dengemarsh flood

                                          Common Tern, Dengemarsh

ps: Late news concerned a pair of White Storks that were reported from fields near Appledore Heath, where an Osprey was also noted (OL).