Black-necked Grebe

Dungeness RSPB  - cold, dry and sunny, e 5 -  A biting east wind spoiled what would have been a fine spring day. We walked from Boulderwall to Dengemarsh where there were one or two surprises along the way, including a fine drake Pintail on Tanners pool, a Black-necked Grebe on the lake at Dengemarsh that soon disappeared from view heading towards Hookers reedbed and at least two Water Pipits showing briefly on Hayfield 2. Also noted 55 Curlews and 50 Wigeons around Cook`s pool, two Marsh Harriers, a Great White and three Little Egrets on Gun Club pool, plus displaying Lapwings and Redshanks, calling Bearded Tits, two Chiffchaffs and plenty of singing Cetti`s Warblers and Reed Buntings throughout. It was also good to see a few families out walking the trails.
  Working in the garden this afternoon I had cracking views of two Firecrests in the garden fir trees. 

                                Black-necked Grebe, one from the archives