RSPB Dungeness 24th November 2007
There was a severe frost when we met in Hemel at 07.00. Eight people set off in three cars.
At Dungeness, the refurbished Visitors Centre was very warm. We chatted at length to one of the volunteers about how the reserve had changed since our last visit.
We set off to the first hide where we had good views of Pintail. Other ducks to be seen were Wigeon, Teal, Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Ruddy Duck.
The next hide was the most productive; we saw a Kingfisher, Goosander, male & female Smew plus the usual ducks & Grebes. Marsh Harriers were also seen whilst in this hide.
Walking around the reserve the wind had picked up in strength so many of the small birds had disappeared although a pair of Stonechats was very close to the path.
After lunch we went to the hide overlooking the lake across the road from the main part of the reserve. The water level was quite high, but Snipe, Ruff, Redshank and Lapwing were seen. There was a large gull roost on this lake.
As the time was getting on and the light beginning to fade we decided to go to `the patch’.
We trudged across the shingle against the now strong wind to the small hide that overlooks `the patch’. The sea was quite rough and there were only a few gulls to be seen over the patch. No divers or ducks were seen elsewhere on the sea. A lone Oystercatcher flew by.
We were very cold by now, it was getting dark and it was threatening rain so we prepared to set off home. The rain came as we pulled out of the car park.
This was not one of our better trips to Dungeness, but was still enjoyable.
Dave Jones