10/09/2021

AJG did the early sea watch for a very meagre return:

06.30-08.30

Common Scoter: 5W

Fulmar: 3W

Gannet: 31E

Kittiwake: 7E

Mediterranean Gull: 1E

Sandwich Tern: 27E

Arctic Skua: 3E

Grey Seal: 1

Harbour Porpoise: 2

A nice adult Yellow-legged Gull on the beach at the bottom of Dengemarsh Marsh Gully

This morning I wandered down to the bottom of Dengemarsh Marsh Gully from Springfield Bridge. Considering the date I saw very little apart from numerous Linnets, 2 Corn Buntings flew over, 4 Common Whitethroats and a single Chiffchaff were seen on the way down, a total of only 5 Wheatear were seen, a single Common Buzzard and Marsh Harrier were behind the converter station, the Yellow-legged Gull on the beach was the undoubted highlight.

A walk around the reserve was equally poor. The Firth viewpoint had as usual zero birds in front of it made worse by getting a soaking because the hide and  Makepiece hide aren't open or even being repaired.

I joined AJG at the fishing boats this afternoon 13.30-15.00

Common Scoter: 1E

Great-crested Grebe: 1W

Gannet: 8W

Kittiwake: 3W

Sandwich Tern: 31W

Swallow: 33SW out to sea

It can only get better!!!

I took the image above a few days ago, today it is still the same a view of overgrown Sallows. An example of money and volunteer time being spent on erecting signs promoting the reserve, then no follow up maintenance taking place, I know it is only a small thing but it is symptomatic of the run down image  Dungeness RSPB Reserve portrays to visitors, Just a few minutes with secateurs would resolve this small issue, but I doubt "The Team" have even noticed, or even walked past it. It is little wonder visitors feel the reserve is shabby, run down and un-loved. 

The view from the Firth Viewpoint, this image was taken a few days ago when the sun was shining, the lack of birds is clear to see, not even the Coots stay when the first visitor of the day walks onto the viewpoint.