Wednesday, 15 March 2023

Reed Buntings

Dungeness - cold, sunny, light airs - A superb morning for my monthly guided walk around the RSPB circular route for eight guests. Reed Buntings had returned from their winter sojourns and were in fine voice singing from atop willows and reedbed scrub alongside Cetti`s Warblers, a sure sign that spring is well underway. Other evidence of the changing seasons came in the form of a `booming` Bittern, which made a brief flight across Hookers reedbed; sky-dancing Marsh Harriers of which we noted at least six different birds; and Lapwings displaying over Dengemarsh and the hayfields. Duck numbers have started to decline on the lakes, although at least five Goldeneyes remained on Burrowes. Other notables during the morning included Peregrine, Raven, five Ruff, a Brown Hare and a white Stoat around the car park.

                                   Reed Bunting, Dengemarsh

On the way home I called in at the estate where a single Wheatear (reported earlier by OL) was still present on the beach opposite Jarman`s along with several Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtails, Skylarks and a Stock Dove. A quick look at the sands from the Tavern yielded the usual wintering bay waders.  

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