Out in the cold

Early this morning 40+ Waxwings were still in Hesta way, Ashford in the gloom as I made my to Dungeness. 

 An hours watch from The Point in the comfort of the car was uneventful. Very little was moving in the freezing conditions and in the snow showers visibility was very poor.

Ringed as a pullus on 05/07/2012 southern Norway

 On the beach few gulls in the roost, highlight colour JP939. The Great Black Backed Gull that is unable to close its wings properly was a having a hard time in the easterly gale, it does not seem to have the intelligence to find a sheltered spot to roost in.

 On the ARC Pit from the screen hide a fairly unique sight of 8 Great White Egrets together, sheltering from the snow and wind. With another on Lade Pit per PT breeding this year at Dungeness must be a distinct possibility. Also from the screen 10 Smew ( drakes)  and a Bittern, the duck red-crested Pochard still on its usual pit.

On a frozen Walland I was unable to find any wild Swans or Geese, a flock of 31 Ruff with Lapwings and 10 Snipe were feeding on a cut turf field.