Dungeness RSPB - mild, misty, light airs - It was a strange, almost eerie atmosphere in the visitor`s centre this morning as the last of the shop fixtures, fittings and products were being packed away leaving a large, empty space with an uncertain future. Outside the weather was misty and murky for my monthly guided walk around the circular trail for a solitary guest; which, somehow felt appropriate given the current air of gloom around the place. However, mercifully the reserve is still in great shape, and with a replacement Makepeace hide due and new tern rafts in the offing it looks set for a promising 2025. Anyhow, we commenced with cracking views of the wintering Great Northern Diver on Burrowes along with the usual wildfowl and gulls. The hayfields delivered two flighty Water Pipits and a Common Snipe, while another Snipe showed well on an island in front of Dengemarsh hide amongst hundreds of Lapwings and gulls. Several Marsh Harriers, a Great White Egret, a Raven, a Chiffchaff, a Cetti`s Warbler, and a Water Rail were either seen or heard from the ramp overlooking Hooker`s reedbed, where the highlight of the morning was a Bittern that was in view for at least an hour and showed well through the telescope.
Elsewhere these past few days our Ted walks have taken us to Pirate Springs twice and the farmland around New Romney with nothing much to report. However, yesterday afternoon a Firecrest was the star turn in the garden and only my second record since moving here just over three years ago.
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