What a difference a week makes! Last week we had bitter cold and dull days, this week has been full of sunshine and much milder weather! Spring seems tantalisingly close with snowdrops shooting out of the ground, birds starting to look for potential nesting spots, wildlife pairing up for the breeding season and to my delight I saw my first bumblebee of the year today too!
Image: Snowdrops by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
We've had some great bird sightings on our reserve this week which include spectacular views of a red kite over Denge Marsh and two hen harriers over the reserve. Bitterns have been seen quite regularly, so keep an eye out for them at Christmas Dell hide, Denge Marsh and over at the ARC. Lots of wildfowl around including the ring-necked duck which is still in his favourite place, smew which have been seen often from Christmas Dell hide, goosander, goldeneye and scaup which have all been seen on Burrowes Pit this week! White fronted, Brent and Egyptian geese have also been seen around the reserve.
Image: Male hen harrier by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
This week we have been Showing the Love for Dungeness! We have had a range of activities from making green hearts to helping the birds build a nest. Activities will be running all weekend so pop into our visitor centre between 10am and 4pm to take part (whisks are subject to availability)!
Image: Filling our whisks with cosy materials for the birds to use! (Images by Louise Kelly)