There’s definitely a chill in the morning air recently which is a sign that summer is over and autumn is here! Like many humans who jet off for some sun in warmer places during the winter, many birds choose to migrate south too. We have already said goodbye to our cuckoos and turtle doves. Hirundines such as sand martins and swallows are gathering in their large numbers over Dungeness to feed before setting off to Africa to spend the winter. Spotted flycatchers, whitethroats and winchats have also been seen here in high numbers ready to cross back over Europe. Wading birds are also stopping to feed on their passage and we’ve been seeing the likes of black-tailed godwits, little ringed plover and even a pectoral sandpiper.
Spotted flycatcher - Graham Parry
We’ve had an increase in great white egrets here on the reserve who stay with us every winter. We have also been graced by the presence of cattle egrets this year, of which up to 12 were seen in the fields with the cows! Common and black terns are still about, mostly seen flying and feeding in front of the visitor centre! We’ve also had a few extra birds of prey spotted on the reserve including osprey, short-eared owl and honey buzzard.
Short-eared owl - Graham Parry
The reserve is abundant with blackberries, an absolute buffet for birds feeding up before the winter months come. Now is good time to clean out your bird feeders and check your seed stocks as birds will soon need a helping hand with finding food.
The team have done a fantastic job repairing some of our hides and their doors over the last month. Makepeace hide looks almost as good as new thanks to our skilled volunteers who dedicate their time to do these jobs. Lots of vegetation clearance has been taking place at the moment, particularly in front of the hides and currently out on the islands on Burrowes Pit. Please be patient with the disturbance caused during the time but it will benefit both visitors and wildlife for the winter and next spring. Island vegetation needs to be cleared completely so that the plants do not get a head start in growth next year. If the plants grow too large on the islands, there will be no room for ground nesting birds such as our terns.