Garganeys and Water Pipits

Dungeness - mild, overcast, light airs - A memorable day on the bird reserve for two species of classic early spring migrants: Garganey and Water Pipit. Four drake Garganey on ARC, viewable from Hanson hide all day, were joined by two pairs on Burrowes during the afternoon, making at least eight birds across the site. On the hayfields up to eight Water Pipits were reported, although typically these were more difficult to watch as they crept about in the long grass and flew around calling; at least two being pink-breasted individuals. Also noted around the reserve today 10 Ruff, two Ravens, a `booming` Bittern, 10 Sand Martins, four Goldeneyes and our first singing Willow Warbler at the back of Tower pits. 

                               Some of today`s Garganeys

                                Good to see the art of fieldcraft is alive and well...

A late afternoon check of the local patch to see whether any more Garganey had dropped in drew a blank. However, three Goldeneyes and a Black-necked Grebe were on south lake and two Med Gulls flew over calling.