Squacco Heron

Dungeness - 1330hrs - warm and windy - An afternoon visit to the bird reserve eventually delivered flight views of yesterdays Squacco Heron, at the back of Dengemarsh reedbed from Springfield Bridge. A stunning bird, which in flight resembled a Barn Owl, and yet another rare visitor from southern Europe.
  At least 10 Hobbies were noted across the site along with plenty of Swifts and hirundunes hawking insects over the water. A pair of Lapwings by Christmas Dell had somehow managed to raise two well grown young.
  At Lade more Swifts and a couple of Hobbies, while Marsh Harriers were noted at two local sites exchanging food between adults suggesting young nearby.