20/02/2021

There are still 3-400 Russian White-fronted Geese around the peninsular, though with the arrival of warmer weather they will doubtless soon depart. They are usually to be found on the fields between Cockles Bridge and the Airport  or at the back of Dengemarsh

A long slog this week in strong winds and leaden skies to The Patch via Dengemarsh Gully was rewarded with nice views of a Bonxie causing mayhem among the Gulls over The Patch, also the long staying 2nd calendar year Iceland Gull showed well there, at least 2 1w Caspian Gulls were in the roost. Lots of Auks were toting and frying off shore with a few Gannets, Kittiwakes and Red-throated Divers.

2nd calendar year Iceland Gull

2nd calendar year Iceland Gull

Great White Egrets are now regular in Dengemarsh Gully, this one was tackling a large Eel

As soon as the snow and ice disappeared most of the Wigeon, Common Snipe, Jack Snipe and Woodcock disappeared,  Curlew numbers on Boulderwall fields are increasing but the reserve is generally very quiet avian wise, though there are still c1,000 Lapwings around with at least 6 Ruff and c100 Golden plover accompanying them.

2-3 Kingfishers can be seen around Hookers 

A walk out Scotney was disappointing though not surprising as the wind was near gale force, the Long-tailed Duck was still present along with all the usual feral Geese, a flock of 40 Dunlin and 8 Ringed Plovers were on the sward.

Scrub clearance looking back to the ARC car park from the screen hide