Waders, Warblers and Wagtails

Dungeness - cool, sunny, ENE 5 - A brisk wind out of the east supressed the temperature somewhat and made for challenging weather conditions for a guiding day with Clare and Peter. We started in the seawatch hide where the up-Channel highlights were several parties of Bar-tailed Godwits totalling 50 birds, seven Pintails, two Shovelers, two Mallards and a Sandwich Tern. On the land it was good to seen plenty of Linnets across the point, plus a Black Redstart, two Wheatears, two Stonechats, several Skylarks and Meadow Pipits, five Ravens and my first Lesser Whitethroat of spring. 

                                 Linnet, Dungeness

                                 Sedge Warbler, Hayfield 2

Moving onto the bird reserve where a riot of seven species of common warblers were in good voice around the circular trail scrub and reedbeds, along with plenty of Linnets and a few Reed Buntings. The hayfields attracted a flock of eight Black-tailed and three Bar-tailed Godwits as well as the usual Lapwings, Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Shelducks, Shovelers and a Wigeon. We had good views of a pair of Marsh Harriers over Hookers, a pair of Ringed Plovers on Burrowes and a pair of Avocets on ARC.

                                 Yellow Wagtails, Scotney

An afternoon visit to Scotney yielded 64 Whimbrels and two Curlews on the roadside sward, plus at least 20 Yellow Wagtails on the track down to the farm. Considering the strengthening wind we managed a respectable 74 species of birds with the Barwits, Whimbrels and Yellow Wagtails the undoubted highlight of the outing.