Summer Lull!

The local Barn Owl is still putting a great show

The summer lull has arrived at Dungeness but there are still things to see and hear and the odd goody turning up (see below). All 3 Egret species can easily be seen, Bitterns can be heard but seldom seen along with all the other reed bed specialists. Cuckoo's are still in evidence and Yellow Wagtails, Corn Buntings can both be seen and heard around Dengemarsh. The odd Chiffchaff, Blackcap and both Lesser and Common Whitethroat are still singing, though most are feeding young or on second broods. I've seen Marsh Harriers doing the odd food pass over 2 possible nest sites. Hobbys can still be seen but are getting more elusive as is usual when they settle down to breed. It looks like the Common Gull nests have all failed but it is difficult to be sure at long distance from the causeway, hopefully trails at least will open up soon if not the hides.

1 of at least 2 Great White Egrets present at Dungeness. This one on the ARC strutting around the small Black-headed Gull colony.

Curlew resting and feeding on the mat of New Zealand Pygmy Weed on the ARC

This Fox was showing no fear of me at the ARC 

1 of several Yellow Wagtail around Dengemarsh

1 of the 2 Cattle Egrets at Dengemarsh

A freshly fledged Long-tailed Tit at Dengemarsh

c40 Swifts over the lakes today

Loafing Sandwich Terns today, presumed failed breeders

The 2nd Whiskered Tern of the year at Dungeness discovered by Richard W on Wednesday 17/06/2020 but only stayed for the day.

Whiskered Tern

Whiskered Tern

Probably my most favourite micro moth Cynaeda dentalis a frequent visitor to my MV 

Six-belted Clearwing at The Point courtesy of Owen Leyshon and his pheremone lure