Dungeness - Cool, dry and sunny, ENE 6 - Spent the day guiding for Naturetrek guests in `challenging` weather conditions due to a blasting easterly wind. However, a forty-five minute sea-watch from the hide (0915-1015hrs) did yield three parties of Bar-tailed Godwits (totalling 45 birds) up-Channel along with two Manx Shearwaters; we also noted a few Commic and Sandwich Terns, Gannets and coasting Swallows. On the land the highlights included a male Peregrine with prey on the beach, several Linnets, Lesser Whitethroat and a Wheatear. Moving onto Kerton Quarry for the high tide roost where c200 Oystercatchers were joined by 40 Bar-tailed Godwits, several Curlews, Lapwings and Redshanks, two Common Sandpipers and two Little Ringed Plovers. The wader fest continued on the bird reserve with Burrowes delivering: four Greenshanks, six Ringed and two Grey Plovers, six Turnstones, a Knot, a Whimbrel and several more Barwits, Redshanks and Common Sandpipers, mainly from Coward hide. Also noteworthy out from Dennis`s hide a flock of 20 Arctic Terns sat on a shingle island amongst 15 Common Terns. More waders were present over the road from Hanson including six Ruffs (two black males) and a Dunlin. Also noted across the reserve: three Marsh Harriers, a Sparrowhawk, a Great White Egret, four Little Egrets, Dabchick, Swifts, hundreds of Swallows and Sand Martins, Shelduck, Teal, Shoveler, Shelduck and Pochard. In summary, not too shabby a day considering the wind with 77 species noted, in fine company, with the highlights being the Manxies and Arctic Terns plus 15 species of waders.
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