Little Owl on the Marshes

Posted on 21st December 2017 by Richard

Little Owl

I read through a tweet by my good Birdwatcher friend Neil the whereabouts of a Little Owl south of Warehorne on the Romney Marshes.
As I had to pop down to the RSPB Shop at Dungeness I detoured around the Marshes and was lucky enough to get a good pose whilst the beautiful bird was sunning him or herself on a derelict Shed Roof.
I’ve seen three now, the other times at Hook-With-Warsash and the regular resident at Scotney Farm near Lydd.

A Heron landing in one of the Dykes in the Romney Marshes

The beauty of bleak at Dungeness

Old Lighthouse at Dungeness with Cormorants

Being in a bit of a rush (or panic!!) to get my Christmas shopping done and dusted I didn’t have much time at the Reserve, just a pop along to Firth Hide and the ARC.
Burrowes from Firth was pretty much iced over with just a huge amount of Cormorants in their usual position on a small Island and in the trees to the west, a number of Shelduck and an assortment of Gulls.

The ARC was pretty quiet although, according to another Birdwatcher in the Hide, I’d just missed the Kingfisher !
I also spotted a Bittern landing in the Reeds opposite, but not spotted quick enough to get a photo.
I don’t have a problem with missing things, I go on the ‘if they’re there they’re there’ and ‘right place, right time’.
However, as always, the bleakness of Dungeness is always special

Saying all that, there was much activity by Tree Sparrows at Boulderwall Farm. With numbers continuously dropping, it’s good to see them there – and being well fed to boot !
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Cold weather at Dungeness

Posted on 11th December 2017 by Richard

With the weather being cold one day, mild the next, wet the next and windy the next, the Birds seem to be in a constant state, maybe like us humans, in constant confusion as to if it’s December or Spring !

Caspian Gull

RSPB Dungeness

The main Reserve area was very active with Waders and other Wetland Birds with the highlights being Caspian Gulls seen very well from the Firth Hide and a male Kestrel who sat rather nicely on a tree beside the gravel road leading up to the Reserve Shop and Offices.
Also around this area were probably 600 Cormorants and a good mixture of Ducks and Geese

Some of the many Cormorants

I passed some Bewick Swans in the fields north of the Reserve., but being not the best place to safely stop, I hoped to see them fly into the ARC.
I drove there, but owing to some work going on plus a bonfire on one of the Islands, there was nothing there.
On that note I have to say a good word for the Interns, so nice to see young people doing work which they both enjoy and work which is beneficial to the future of Wildlife.
On a political note, what a shame that these youngsters study something that’s close to their heart rather than study something which is close to their wallet. They can’t earn a lot, so all respect to them.

Male Kestrel

After that I drove down to the Power Station and parked the Van next to the Old Lighthouse; nothing around there, or in the shrubs / Gorse lading up to the Boird Observatory.

All in all, not a special day for spotting anything, but offset by a fairly dry and light day.

Fieldfares return down the Lane

Posted on 18th November 2017 by Richard

It’s always good indication that winter is upon us when the Fieldfares along with their pals the Redwings return, always about the same time, 10th – 15th. November.
This year is no exception, it started with a trickle around the 8th and has now built up to more than 200 who jump from tree to tree along the edge of the field here.
If you have a Camera, you can put a bet on them always being two trees ahead of you though, they’re pretty well camouflaged against the branches and remaining few leaves, the first sign you get of them is when they all take flight leaving you to curse that you should have looked sooner!

Thus far Winter has been good in the Garden; a huge and pleasing amount of House Sparrows, Dunnocks, Robins, a few Goldfinches, Blackbirds, Long Tailed, Coal, Blue and Great Tits.
Plus the occasional Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer, it’s looking good.
Overhead, four Buzzards and the Sparrowhawk are frequently seen.

Quick trip to Dungeness

I only had a couple of hours to spare so popped down to the Old Lighthouse, the 4 closest Hides in the Reserve and Scotney Farm where I hoped to get another glimpse of the Little Owl. Needless to say the latter obviously heard I was coming and wasn’t there.

Although a really pleasant day with no wind, not much about.
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The return of the Yellow Wagtails

Posted on 7th April 2017 by Richard

Yellow Wagtails

I’d heard the Yellow Wagtails had returned for the warmer months a few days back and knowing how they tend to mix on Cattle grazing pasture to begin with, made the trip down to Scotney Farm, just outside Lydd, with a view of getting some easier photos than in Summer when they tend to move around the tall crops more.

Needless to say I walked a long way along the footpath, gave up hope then saw them all only a couple of hundred meters away from where I parked. I’d been looking on the wrong side !

Although quite a lot more common, a Pied Wagtail gave a rather nice pose on a rock adjacent to the Lake.

At Dungeness

The Long Eared Owls once again weren’t there. I’d been hoping that because it being a nice sunny day they may be sitting in a more open position, but I have photos of them, so all not lost.

Whilst at the Dipping Pool there was an RSPB chap awaiting kids to turn up for an educational morning.
In preparation he’d pulled a Leech from the Dipping Pool and had pleasure of showing it to me.
I’m not usually spooked into not touching something, but these this threw me a little and the fact I’m on blood thinning tablets, gave that one a miss!

Other than that, it was very quiet. I also drove down to the Beach as I’d heard Willow Warblers and Black Redstarts were about, but saw neither.

Sometimes that’s the way, but seeing the Yellow Wagtails was good and a three or four mile walk through the barren scenery on a sunny day didn’t go amiss.
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Two Long Eared Owls Dungeness

Posted on 28th February 2017 by Richard

RSPB Dungeness

With showers due mid afternoon, I ventured off to Dungeness in hope I would, for the first time, be lucky to catch the two Long Eared Owls which have frequented the Dipping Pool at RSPB Dungeness on or off for the last few weeks.
About this time last year I was lucky enough to get the one, since last November I must have been there 15 times and not even seen the one.

Today I was in luck !

Not only were they there, it was a nice sunny morning and as a bonus, the sun behind you for a reasonable view.
Needless to say there were the inevitable twigs in the way, but after some 60 or 70 shots from all angles and heights I did get a fairly good shot of them.

Rough Seas

After that I went to the Beach, nothing much happening there except large waves caused by the blustery wind and the tide coming in.
I glimpsed a Peregrine Falcon flying toward the Power Station, but it eluded me….this time !!
Another notable spot was that of a Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly, who decided to flit away just as I was supposed to click.

But happy with my lot I left for home via a brief visit to the ARC., but nothing there either, just a few Reed Buntings, Tree Sparrows over the road, Chaffinches and Dunnocks.

Young Lambs – Spring is here

I decided upon the quiet route back along the Lanes of the Marshes coming out just north of Brenzett.
A Common Buzzard caught my eye but by the time I got out the car, it was gone.

However, it was nice going past the fields where some lambing had taken place. After all, it’s the Sheep the Romney Marshes are famous for!

It’s strange that no matter what, whenever you go anywhere, you never come home empty handed, even if it’s just a Robin in a nice pose.
That’s what I like about Nature, you just never know what’s coming
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Sunny day at Dungeness

Posted on 18th January 2017 by Richard

I arrived at RSPB Dungeness at 0945., clear, sunny, no wind and zero degrees.
Earler I had ensured I had ample clothing; on top I had 2 T-Shirts, 2 Jumpers, a Shirt and my thick 100% Wool Nepalese Jacket.
After about 200 meters, I was too hot !

Meadow Pipit

I started off with a quick look to see if the two Long Eared Owls were giving everyone a show, neither of them did so I wandered off around the Hides, made my way to the Viewpoint and headed back.
It was nice as unlike my last few visits smaller birds were appearing; a male and female Stonechat were busy amongst the Gorse between the Christmas and Dengemarsh Hides, this was followed by a nice pose from a male Chaffinch perched in the bushes. In fact, there were probably 20 plus there.

Male and Female Stonechat

Next stop would be the Beach by the Power Station, but as I was getting in the Car, a Greenfinch appeared just opposite.
Not only were there quite a number of small birds around but many Humans as well, the most I’ve seen there since last Autumn.
Shame is that speaking to some it seemed they were there to see the Owls and the Ringed Neck Duck. At least they saw the latter who is still displaying well at Boulderwall.
No sign of the Slavonian Grebes on the New Diggings.

Meadow Pipit on wall at Dungeness Power Station

Meadow Pipit not in Meadow! – Early morning on Reserve – Greenfinch

I parked up at my usual spot beside the Old Dungeness Lighthouse and before enjoying a Roll and brew up, looked at the Garden. Nothing to be seen but even in this cold cold weather, there are still Bumble Bees flying there.

Male Chaffinch

Onward to the Beach. I walked up to where the Nuclear Station waste water is pumped into the sea which attracts literally hundreds of Gulls weaving and ducking. With three others I searched for the Icelandic Gulls which arrived two days previous, but I’m afraid our eyes could not keep up with them.
I took lots of photos to bring home and expand on the larger screen, but couldn’t pick them out.

Some of the hundreds of Gulls around the Point</center>

On my way back to the Car, a Meadow Pipit started jumping up and down on the Power Station Wall. Most obliging it was too and I managed to get a few half decent shots.

Other than that, there were two Great White Egrets at the ARC and a Sparrowhawk beautifully posed on a dead tree which, naturally, flew off just as I clicked. A nice close up of a branch and blue sky though !

A quiet day at Dungeness

Posted on 10th January 2017 by Richard

As with any great birdwatching place, Dungeness can often be a little hit and miss and today, for me anyway, was one of those days.

I started off at RSPB in hope of getting a photograph of the now two Long Eared Owls. Needless to say, not even one was there!
Rather than doing my usual circuit of the main Reserve area I headed off to the Beach, again quiet although it was interesting to see there are still Bumble Bees flying around the hedgerow at the old Lighthouse Garden.
However, it gave me a chance of capturing a few Gulls all be it not seeing the Caspian Gulls which are there or thereabouts of late.

At the Reserve I’d bumped into the Warden of the BTO Observatory which reminded me I owed them money for this years ‘Friends’ Membership so I popped in there to pay up.
This gave me a chance to see if I’d missed anything on my journeys, I hadn’t apparently, a quiet day by all.

After this I went along to the Kerton Road area to see if I could spot the rare Stejneger’s Stonechat, couldn’t find him or her either. Oh dear !
A quick walk along the ARC did produce a photo of a Great White Egret.
It was then on to Scotney Farm where I thought at least I’d see the Little Owl which is present virtually daily, wasn’t there either!

I took the Walland Marsh route back home and at least got a photograph of a Kestrel posing quite nicely on top of a telegraph pole.

Maybe not a successful bird watching day, but the sun shone for most of the time and I convinced myself the fresh air did me good!

New year Dungeness RSPB Reserve – Bearded Tits

Posted on 4th January 2017 by Richard

My first proper day out of the year and indeed, for two weeks so it was off to RSPB Dungeness on a sunny bright morning all be it only barely above freezing at 9am.

Male Bearded Tit

Female Bearded Tit

It’s strange, I’d been hoping to photograph Bearded Tits for over a year, I’d go to the Reserve Viewpoint where everyone see’s them, but never did.
Suddenly, in October I saw a female at Minsmere, then a male at Dungeness, this morning I saw a pair, not on the Scrapeboard but flitting around the Reeds for a more natural photograph.
In fact, they were there for a good 10 minutes. A fine start to the day.

Ringed Male Reed Bunting and Funghi, name I don’t know

There wasn’t a lot around the main Reserve so I ventured off, parked my Van at the Old Lighthouse and had a walk along the Beach. It seems that many birds enjoy a nap when the sun comes out, but the brisk walk helped to shake of the remainders of my Cold a bit.
After some lunch in the Camper I drove along to the ARC thinking the Bearded Tits would be my one and only ‘nice’ highlight, would stroll around and head off home.

Chiffchaff enjoying the early afternoon sun

As luck would have it (luck is the big word in birdwatching I’ve found), although fairly common birds, a Chiffchaff posed well in the Reeds by ‘The Pines’, some Reed Buntings were flying around here and there then upon a short walk accross to Boulderwood Farm at the RSPB Entrance, some Tree Sparrows were making good use of the Bird Feeders.

Tree Sparrow sharing Feeder with female Reed Bunting

It’s interesting speaking to people around and about, so many are very much like me, theyve become Pensioners and looked for something that’s going to interest them, get them out, keep relatively fit by walking at their own pace, in genral, a purpose.
You also find that some take it up simply for something to do and not convinced they’ll enjoy it, but they do, then before they know it, it’s out almost every day and venturing beyond the local area to see more and more.

Retirement I guess is a big reminder of age, but all the more reason to live the life and not, as the old TV Series suggested, ‘waiting for God’ !

Bearded Tit, Cattle Egret, Ring Necked Duck

Posted on 21st November 2016 by Richard

Regular readers will know I’ve been trying to get a photo of a Bearded Tit for about a year. I managed a Female at Minsmere last month but the male has escaped me.
Last Friday, Bingo !!
Looking at the forecast it was the one day in about 10 where there was to be sunshine and relatively light winds for some days, so off I went to Dungeness early morning and after about 45 minutes of sitting at the View Point somewhat cold, one appeared on the Scrape Board opposite.

Having heard of the Cattle Egret for my last four visits I then went off in search of that and for once the Cows in the field at Boulderwall were close to the Reserve track and after a few varying positions got a reasonable shot off it.

Then, to my surprise I noticed the Ring Necked Duck, another which had escaped me for the last three weeks, appeared mixing with three Coots, again fairly close to the Track.
It seems that both Cattle and any Ducks, Waders etc. probably start off close to the track early morning but upon more cars and Birders going past, move over to the far side.

By this time it was about 10.45am so I popped down to the Old Lighthouse in hope of spotting anything else interesting, but the rain came down and feeling it was a morning fulfilled I made my way home.

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Recording wild life through the year around Hampshire, Kent and elsewhere

Tag Archives: Dungeness

Little Owl on the Marshes

Little Owl

The beauty of bleak at Dungeness

Cold weather at Dungeness

RSPB Dungeness

Fieldfares return down the Lane

Quick trip to Dungeness

The return of the Yellow Wagtails

Yellow Wagtails

At Dungeness

Two Long Eared Owls Dungeness

RSPB Dungeness

Rough Seas

Young Lambs – Spring is here

Sunny day at Dungeness

A quiet day at Dungeness

New year Dungeness RSPB Reserve – Bearded Tits

Bearded Tit, Cattle Egret, Ring Necked Duck