The first really good weather for days so I took the opportunity to go birding.
Ashdown Forest
- Spent an hour around lunchtime looking for the Shrike near "Fiveways" on the Ashdown Forest but there was no sign of it at all. Again I compensated by getting close views of a Dartford Warbler.
Dungeness
- Dashed down to Dungeness for the afternoon session. Dipped on the Black-necked Grebe on New Diggins south side, as reported on RBA so went after the Glaucous Gull by the fishing boats.
- I just missed it by the beach south of the lifeboat station but when I headed for the fishing boats I bumped into Plodding Birder who told me to try the roost a few hundred metres towards the lighthouse.
- It was not difficult to find it - in a group of 3 birds that were detached from the main group. Excellent views as it enjoyed the late afternoon sunshine.
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| Glaucous Gull Courtesy of Dungeness Bird Observatory |
- Whilst I was admiring the bird, Paul Trodd (Plover) came by with his dog and I told him of my miss with the Black-necked Grebe. He told me he had seen some 90 minutes earlier on the north side of New Diggings. I relocated to the car park at Boulderwall and walked along the road and lo and behold the Grebe was still there and showing really well. I couldn't find the second one from the limited viewpoint.
- Plover also told me to try the viewing point to the left of Dennis's Hide for the Slavonian Grebe and, again, when I checked it was there at the far end of Burrowes and showing well.
- I had to get back home so could not stay for the roost at the Screen Hide where I was hoping to see my first Bittern of 2016. Another time perhaps.
What a super day - and 3 year ticks to boot!
Additions to BUBO 2016 UK Year List
Glaucous Gull (125)
Black-necked Grebe (126)
Slavonian Grebe (127)
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