This week a glossy ibis was spotted at the reserve!
Glossy ibis are large, heron-like birds with rich bronze feathers and a slender, curved bill. They usually live in the Mediterranean region and are still rare visitors to the UK, although records are increasing. They occasionally visit Dungeness and how lucky some of our visitors were this week to be able to see one!
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Other sightings on the reserve this week include:
Egyptian goose – six at Denge Marsh on 18th
White fronted goose – eight in Boulderwall Fields on 17th
Pintail –on Burrowes on 14th
Smew – 4 males at ARC on 19th
Goldeneye –on Burrowes pit on 19th
Black-necked grebe – two on Burrowes pit on 17th
Slavonian grebe – on Burrowes pit on 19th
Great white egret – by Boulderwall farm on 16th
Little egret – 22 at ARC on 16th
Bittern – three at Denge Marsh and one at Boulderwall on 19th
Glossy ibis – at Hay fields at Denge Marsh on 17th
Sparrowhawk – over Burrowes pit on 15th
Peregrine – over Christmas Dell on 19th
Golden plover – 300 at Denge Marsh on 17th
Jack snipe –at Denge Marsh on 16th
Water rail – at Denge Marsh on 19th
Curlew – at Denge Marsh on 14th
Little gull – one on Burrowes pit on 18th
Long-eared owl – roosting in willow on the far side of the dipping pond on 19th
Grey wagtail – at Makepeace hide on 19th
Chiffchaff – six by Burrowes pit on 18th
Bearded tit – at Denge Marsh on 17th
Long-tailed tit – by visitor centre on 14th
Firecrest – at Denge Marsh on 17th
Tree sparrow – at Boulderwall on 19th
Want to learn more about the wildlife on our reserve? Then join a friendly guide on our upcoming event:
Spring Migration Walk
Wednesday 2 March, 10.30am - 12.30pm
If you’re a beginner or an expert bird watcher, this walk is for all people fascinated by birds! Come and see which birds visit Dungeness in the spring time to feed and breed here. From swallows to sandwich terns and everything in between, this is the walk for you if you want to learn more about our overseas visitors as well as the birds that stay here all year round. Led by a friendly guide with expert knowledge on all things feathery!
Adult £6. Child £3. 20% discount for RSPB members and Wildlife Explorers.
(Photo credit: Neil Smith)