On Sunday we travelled into Kent to meet up with friends that we hadn't seen for nearly two years. After a cup of coffee and a chat I acted as the taxi driver we headed southwards to Dungeness RSPB for a walk. As expected the water levels were still exceptionally high and not a vast array of species on the water but we did log Little and Great Crested Grebes, Coot, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted plus numerous Cormorants carrying nest building material into a patch of trees with just their upper branches above the water line on Burrows Pit.
We decided not to stop at the next two hides and continued around the reserve searching the scrub and listening for any indication of bird movements but there was very little seen or heard except Cetti's Warbler, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch, Linnet, Dunnock and Reed Warbler with two Oystercatchers on the shingle ridge. Seven Shelduck flew overhead followed shortly after by a single Little Egret.
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| Reed Bunting (Male). |
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| Reed Bunting (Male). |
Just before entering the hide overlooking Burrows Pit we heard a Bittern booming while at least three Sedge Warblers were singing from amongst the nearby bramble bushes and once inside we added views of a male and female Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, Shelduck, Gadwall, Pochard, Lapwing, Mute Swan, Greylag and Canada Geese, Grey Heron plus one lonely Swallow. Before continuing our stroll I spent a while outside the hide trying to get some shots of the Sedge Warblers.
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| Sedge Warbler |
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| Singing Sedge Warbler |
Click this link to review a few more images and its song on my other blog, FABirding.
Butterflies seen included Peacock, Brimstone, Orange Tip and Small Tortoiseshell.
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| A very tatty Small Tortoiseshell |
On the mound overlooking the extensive reed beds we again heard the Bittern booming and I had a brief sighting of a Bearded Reedling. Further along two Shepherds were checking their flock to ensure that the new lambs were healthy.
An enjoyable stroll was capped off by an excellent meal provided by our friends and a review of my memory card on their wide screen TV. ..... FAB.
Linking to WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY.
Great outing and bird sightings! And the little lamb is adorable..
ReplyDeleteIt looks as though you had a good day of birding. It amazes me how many hides you seem to have over there. We only have a few and they're usually placed in locations where you can't see birds any way.
ReplyDeleteLovely birds and FABULOUS Butterfly - and that last shot is just so sweet!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Sedge Wabler and the Reed Bunting.
ReplyDeletereally sweet shots.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lively area for checking out feathered characters. Gorgeous series of photos. And the final one of the little lamb is just adorable.
ReplyDeleteThat was a wonderful outing you had, and your photos are terrific! Being with friends made it all the nicer.
ReplyDeleteHI Frank What a lovely area and great birds seen. Also love the butterfly
ReplyDeleteWhile I loved seeing all images, especially the Reed Buntings, I absolutely stopped dead on those sheep. I love sheep and used to say, we should have a couple, but the husby said no, so, I love seeing them from other places ;)
ReplyDeleteI saw a tortoiseshell last week! With yesterday's snow, though, I hope it is OK!
ReplyDelete3 flickers today. Great birding season!
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
Nice place, nice picture;-)
ReplyDeleteCéline & Philippe
Hi Frank lovely set of images, the Reed Bunting & Sedge Warblers are great. Thanks for the comment, I have put things right after my senior moment. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteA nice capture getting the Sedge Warbler Frank. I have seen or heard any yet this year.
ReplyDeletegorgeous shots of your spring arrivals included the litte lamb. :)
ReplyDeleteAfter the rain of the winter, it looks like Spring has got its act together! Nice to see the butterflies.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
ReplyDeletePospolite ptaki ale nie jest tak łatwo im zrobić zdjęcia :) gratuluję :)
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