Dungeness and Oare Marshes

For our quarterly trip we decided on another visit to Dungeness.

Graeme was unable to go having used all his annual leave for a forthcoming trip to South Africa so it as Dave, Jono and myself.

We were meeting up with Therese and Stuart who Jono had guided recently and who joined us for the Dungeness bit of the day.

We left at 4.30am and after a quick coffee on route (with fly past Snipe over the M20) we arrived on a gloriously sunny but very chilly early morning sea watch.

This was very productive with Gannet, Teal, Red Throated Diver, Pintail, Curlew. Oystercatcher and Brent Geese all identified. We shared the hide with perhaps the most arrogant birder the world has ever known (Jono knew him as Barry) who was one of two men doing a count of birds flying past. He was rude and actually the sort of person that would have intimidated a novice birder.

We were all glad to lose his company and proceeded to walk round past the Bird Observatory and although this area promises much it rarely delivers so it was no surprise when we had seen very little.

We proceeded to RSPB and the promise that a female Long Tailed Duck was still in attendance. Jono managed to locate it and so even though it was a long way out it was a lifer for me and Dave.

The poorest record shot ever does not do the bird justice!

There were plently of ducks in attendance so all the common species expected were seen along with early Ringed Plover. However, the RSPB reserve was not really buzzing though some loverly views of five Marsh Harriers

 and a Buzzard were great fun.

Highlight was perhaps the pair of Ravens flying by.

Theere were plenty of Linnets but no Wheatears.

Crossing over to ARC pit did not produce much particularly as it looked full so there were very few scrapes or muddy areas. However, going back we stopped off at the road side and in a small marshy ara saw both Pied and White Wagtails, Little Egret and a Water Pipit though could not get a good enough photo.

The Great White Egret in this area did not materialise.

We said our goodbyes to Therese and Stuart and Jon suggested we try Oare Marshes which are near Faversham.

This was a very pretty reserve run by Kent Wildlife Trust and comprises of main river estuary, fields, marsh and ponds. One hide produced frightening views of Highland Cattle which were just outide the flaps!

We had a bit of a dirth of waders but this was recified by the addition of a superb flock of Black Tailed Godwits (some in breeding plumage) and a decent number of Avocet.

We managed to tot up 82 species which is very respectable and as always had a superb day.

The only thing we must remember is not to try the Kent pubs on the way home or at least avoid the two we tried - the beer was terrible!