04/04/2023

A biting force 4 Easterly wind and clear skies this morning didn't bode well for a classic sea watch, but it was an improvement than of late.

06.30 - 09.00 from the hide with RW, CP 

Brent Goose: 19E

Greylag Goose: 2 out   

Shoveler: 10E

Pintail: 1E

Garganey: 3E all drakes

Teal: 25E  

Common Scoter: 259E

Red-breasted Merganser: 17E

Great-crested Grebe:  3E    2 on

Oystercatcher: 5E

Curlew: 5E

Kittiwake: 8E

Mediterranean Gull: 4E

Common Gull: 57E

Sandwich Tern:21E    

Guillemot: 12E   

Auk: 41E     

Red-throated Diver: 43E   

Fulmar: 2E    

Gannet: 36E    43W  

Harbour Porpoise: 4+

Grey Seal: 1

Most of the rest of my day was taken up with waiting for parcels to be delivered. I did get out late afternoon to the ARC where the highlight was a confiding male Siskin at the Pines with a couple of Greenfinches. Several Sand Martins and Swallow flew through and 2 Goldeneye were present, but I missed the 2 Garganey that spent most of the day there.

The 2 Glossy Ibis are still around but it seems as though the Cattle Egrets have departed, there are still Great White egrets around, also a single Greater White-fronted Goose. The hay fields attracted there first Garganey of the year today and Red Kite flew over per BH.

It is not often a Siskin is seen well at Dungeness like this bird as they are usually flyovers. 

Nice to see a Greenfinch tucking into the conifer seeds

Yesterday the Penduline Tit showed well at the ARC, but the highlight for me was an Alpine Swift that powered through late afternoon, a self found tick for me, pity it didn't hang around for better photographs.

The Alpine Swift as it powered away from me

Penduline Tit