08/01/17 Dungeness, Scotney GP and Pett Level

Sunday 08 January 2017
Paul and group (11)

Dungeness

Another top class birding trip with a range of superb species seen.  The weather conditions were very mild with sunshine and no hint of rain.

• The day started slowly when Ring-necked Duck was not at its usual place near Boulderwell Farm.  We did find it later on from the ARC Hanson hide - it was showing in the distance but the key ID features were clearly visible.

• Things picked up when we found the Stenjneger's Stonechat off Kerton Road.  The poor bird was being pursued by a posse of photographers so moved around continuously.  However we were able to enjoy superb views from our sensible vantage point.  

• The sea was so calm today with little or no wind.  Our eclectic list included an unexpected "Bonxie", a  couple of Red-throated Divers, several Kittiwakes as well as the usual suspects. 

• On the way to the reserve we saw 2 Slavonian Grebes on New Diggings.

• At the nature reserve itself, we initially dipped with the Long-eared Owl but we returned shortly afterwards to see not one, but two of the species.  They were incredibly difficult to see, being so beautifully camouflaged.

• Other highlights on the reserve included Redhead Smew, Goldeneye, Pintail, Great White Egret and a probable Merlin.

• On the way back Andrew and I went to Scotney GP to see the Black-necked Grebe while Paul and the rest of the group went round Walland Marsh to see the 50+ Bewick Swans before heading to Camber to get the Red-necked Grebe.

• We met up with the rest of the group at Pett Level where, from the good mix of species seen, my pick of the bunch was the couple of White-fronted Geese showing in the distance.

A remarkable day with over 80 species seen, including some very special one's.