Purple Heron

Dengemarsh - 0845hrs - mild, dry and sunny, sw3 - The early morning scouts were out and about and soon relocated yesterdays Purple Heron; following last nights torrential rain it was no surprise that it stayed put in the comfort of Dengemarsh reedbed. By the time we arrived at the bridge it was sat in a sheltered spot on the edge of the reedbed and viewable with the naked eye - and joy upon joy that is where it remained for the next hour! Probably one of the most protracted views I`ve ever had of this fab heron; and that includes many hours watching the breeding pair two years ago. Anyhow, it didnt really do much, just a bit of preening and sky-pointing and posing for pics in the sunshine (PB on site, so should be some good `uns) but who cares, it was a proper treat. Scope views were crippling and even managed a few dig-pics with the Box Brownie, of what was most likely a 1st summer individual.
Also from the bridge the RCP, several Marsh Harriers and Hobbies, plus a party of 30 odd Rain-dodgers over. Eventually the Purp slipped into cover and out of sight, and with Joker holding court and cracking canine gags to a bored looking Barney, it was time to move on...
A drive around the range road delivered a couple of Ravens in heavy moult, another Hobby and a Turtle Dove on wires by Brett`s.

                                         Purple Heron, Dengemarsh

Scotney - 1100hrs - Nothing much here apart from hundreds of Herring Gulls, 2 Curlews, 10 Lapwings and scores of trash geese.
Dungeness - 1200hrs -  A quick look at the Patch resulted in 20 Common Terns but no sign of yesterdays Black Tern. Black Redstart still in song from within the power station compound