18/12/2022

White-fronted Geese with 2 Whooper Swans in the background at Cockles Bridge

In this dismal weather The 2 Whooper Swans can usually be seen at southern end of the ARC or from Cockles Bridge, where up to 12 White-fronted Geese and a Cattle egret has been residing.

On Burrowes the Green-winged Teal can usually be found as well as 6+ Caspian Gulls with the odd Yellow-legged Gull. Surprisingly during this cold spell not a single Goosander has been reported at Dungeness let alone a Smew now a rarity I'm afraid. Out on Walland up to 44 Bewick Swans can be found but it seems the Pink-footed Geese have moved on.

Birding around the peninsula is generally very hard work at the moment, a few Egrets and Bittern if your are lucky, Bearded Tits can generally be heard and seen, likewise Common Snipe. Plenty of Marsh Harriers around and Bothe Ring Tail and Grey male Hen Harriers have been reported. Eared Owls are non existent, likewise scarce Buntings.

2w Caspian Gull

Adult Caspian Gull