Arctic Waders

Dungeness - warm, dry, sunny, e2 - 0800hrs - We were en-route to the sea when news broke of a Bee-eater flying over the Trapping Area (OL), but despite a thorough search and scan with a few other locals the rainbow bird did not reappear. Several grizzled skippers and small coppers were already basking in the warm sunshine along the pilots path.

                                Grizzled Skipper, Dungeness

Scotney - This afternoon we commenced a three day Birdwatching Break for Marion and Alison from Hampshire. At the farm Yellow Wagtails and Corn Buntings performed to order, along with a good supporting cast of Linnets, Reed Buntings, Skylarks, Pied Wagtails, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel and a Little Owl. On the grass around the pits Egyptian and Barnacle Geese were amongst the other plastics, plus Shelducks, four Ringed Plovers, two Whimbrels and a Redshank, while on the back pits, 10 Avocets, two Med Gulls over and a cracking summer plum Knot noted.
Dungeness - Half an hour from the concrete road delivered a few Gannets, Common and Sandwich Terns, plus a flock of five Arctic Terns up-Channel. On the sea a Guillemot was amongst 10 Great Crested Grebes.
Greatstone Beach - We mopped up here on a falling tide from the Tavern with 20 Grey and 10 Tundra Plovers, 50 Barwits, 100 Knots, 100 Dunlins, 30 Sanderling, many in summer plum, plus Oystercatcher and Curlew to bring up eight species of beach waders. A great end to the day with the Arctic waders the undoubted highlights.