We've had some beautiful weather down here over the last week. Although windy, the sun was shining most days and it was a good week to be out on the reserve. Some of our warden team even caught a tan! The insects are still clinging on to the last traces of summer; with butterflies such as painted lady and small coppers being seen. Crickets are still to be heard in the grasses and dragonflies are still dancing over the water. Bumblebees are also still buzzing and swallows and sand martins haven't been convinced to leave yet!
Throughout the whole month of September, the great white egrets had been spotted every single day, with their numbers increasing to 8 individuals yesterday. They are such magnificent birds and a pleasure to see out of the Visitor Centre window every day for the last week.
-
Other recent highlights include:
Wigeon - seen on Burrowes pit on the 1st
Pintail - seen on Burrowes pit on the 5th
Black necked grebe - seen at the ARC on the 5th
Little egret - 7 seen on Burrowes pit on the 5th
Great white egret - 8 seen on Burrowes pit on the 5th
Bittern - seen flying over Hookers pit and Denge Marsh on the 4th
Hobby - over Burrowes pit on 5th
Merlin - at Christmas Dell on 5th
Marsh harrier - 3 seen at ARC on 28th
Golden plover - 90+ were seen on Burrowes pit on 4th
Snipe - seen at Denge Marsh on 5th
Whimbrel - seen at Denge Marsh on 30th September
Sand martin - seen at Denge Marsh on 5th
Swallow - seen over Burrowes pit on 5th
Kingfisher - seen at Burrowes pit on 5th
Redpoll - seen at Denge Marsh on 29th September
Wheater - seen on the return trail on the 2nd
Stonechat - two seen between Denge Marsh and Christmas Dell on the 4th
Willow warbler - seen at Dennis' hide on 4th
Chiffchaff - seen at Scott's and Dennis' hide on 3rd
Lesser whitethroat - seen on the return trail on the 4th
Whitethroat - seen at Denge Marsh on the 4th
Blackcap - two spotted along the access track and at Dennis' hide on the 4th
Siskin - three seen at Denge Marsh on the 4th
Goldcrest - 20 on Burrowes pit and more at Christmas Dell on 4th
Firecrest - between Scott's and Christmas Dell hides on the 3rd
Long tailed tit - in the car park on the 5th
Bearded tit - Denge Marsh on the 1st
Bullfinch - near Christmas Dell hide on 1st
Upcoming events this week:
Autumn Migration Walk Wednesday 7 October 10.30am - 1pmAdults £6. Children £3.
Walk on the Wild Side Autumn AmbleSaturday 10 October11am - 3pmAdults £8. Children £4.
Visit www.rspb.org.uk/dungeness or call us on 01797 320 588 for more details.