Back at Dunge!

As I wandered down to The Patch this morning I met PT and Barney on their way back. They reported that there was little of note to be seen but I was going there anyway. Over the boil no more than 10 Common Terns among c70 Black-headed Gulls, and 50 Herring and Lesser black Backed Gulls. A Curlew flew west and a handful of Gannets moved up channel, also an adult Mediterranean Gull flew through The Patch. On the walk back a juvenile Black Redstart was feeding on the perimeter fence and the Pied Wagtails were mating ready for a second brood.

 Mediterranean Gull The Patch

A short stop at the south end of the ARC found 3 drake Garganey, among the Gadwall and Pochard. Also a Marsh Harrier came over from New Diggings flushing everything temporarily. 

 2 of the 3 Garganey at the south end of the ARC this A.M.

Met The Joker at the reserve where we spent a little time in Dennis's hide, the highlight being a Ringed Plover on one of the little bits of island that are beginning to reappear.

From the ramp up to 7 Hobby's could be seen, a couple of Bearded Tits and 2 Marsh Harriers. 

Late this afternoon/early evening several Bearded Tits could be seen by Springfield Bridge, Hayfield 3 had 7 each of Grey Heron and Little Egret and a Curlew, but it and the other hay fields are now drying out rapidly. Plenty of Common Terns could be seen on Dengemarsh also the Marsh Harriers. As I wandered past the entrance path to the hide an Oddie and film crew got out there car to do some filming (I didn't see a disabled sticker on their car) While they were in the hide  a 1st summer Hobby put on terrific display over Hookers with Cuckoo calling in the background. 

 1st summer Hobby