Dungeness RSPB - mild, sunshine and drizzle, SW5 - A breezy morning for my monthly guided walk around the circular trail during which most of the wildfowl were hunkered down in the lee of bunds trying to avoid the wind. However, Burrowes delivered all the usual wintering wildfowl including at least five Goldeneyes (four drakes) and an adult Caspian Gull in the roost in front of Dennis`s hide. It was pretty quiet around the trail due to the weather with several Marsh Harriers, a Sparrowhawk and hundreds of Lapwings and Wigeons across Dengemarsh of note. The Great Northern Diver remained on New Diggings while the Long-tailed Duck was reported on Burrowes in the afternoon from the visitor centre.
The recent island restoration work on New Excavations is now complete for the winter and looking superb when viewed from Christmas Dell hide. Hopefully, it will attract breeding terns and gulls next spring, particularly as four new rafts are also being added in the New Year. What with the additional islands on Dengemarsh, the new return trail path, various other modifications around Burrowes and the new Makepeace hide to come the reserve is looking in great shape for the future. Well done to all concerned, both staff and volunteers throughout a busy 2024.
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