Good morning. Over the course of this blog post, I have a fond farewell to make so I will get to that below.
I went for a walk at lunchtime on Monday and I saw a kingfisher shooting along the river. There were also two stonechats feeding near the Washland viewpoint.
There was also an awesome sunset at the end of the day and here was the view across the visitor centre pond:
On Wednesday, volunteer John saw around 250 whooper swans on the washland during the afternoon.
...And so, on to the fond farewell... it is Warden Alan's last day today as his secondment to cover Katherine's maternity cover ends today. It was Alan's last work party yesterday so here are a few pictures from the day:
Wardens Alan and Emma working on the new photography shelter near the visitor centre:
Image credit: Dave Rogers
Another image of the photography shelter:
A bittern that appeared at the edge of the pond at lunchtime:
Image credits: Alan Kell
A picture of the work party team from yesterday:
Image credits: Dave Rogers
People in the photo:
Top row from left to right: Roger H, Rob, Jane, Phil, Cat, Darren, Tony, Jim
Bottom row from left to right: Alan (the one who is leaving! :)), Roger B, Ellie, Emma (Warden), Dave (Site Manager)
We would all like to wish Alan good luck as he returns to RSPB Dungeness to reprise his role as Assistant Warden. Alan has worked very hard over the last 11 months and has bought his cheeky sense of humour to the team. We will all miss him very much!
I went up to the Washland viewpoint before work this morning and saw two whooper swans in front of the viewpoint. I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an otter feeding in the river and a great white egret was feeding just east of the viewpoint.
Shortly after I opened up the visitor centre, a great spotted woodpecker was feeding on the feeders. A redwing was also perched in the alders behind the centre.
If you are planning to visit, please note that there are still cattle grazing on the riverbank Public Footpath between the Washland viewpoint and Joist Fen viewpoint. This path is also currently extremely muddy in places so wellies are recommended!
We hope to see you soon!