A Red-breasted Flycatcher at Dungeness

6th October 2022

The plan was to go to Elmley to see the Red-footed Falcon but by the time we were approaching Sheppey the falcon had not been reported so we diverted to Plan B and carried on to Dungeness.

The gorse bushes were very quiet, not even a Goldcrest which is normally guaranteed at this time of year, but on the more open areas a flock of Meadow Pipits provided a quick shot before they moved on.

Further on three or four Black Redstarts were flitting around the bushes and on the overhead wires, probably the family party from the power station. Luckily the females/juveniles were happy to pose on posts and the gorse bushes...................

.............................but the male kept strictly to the overhead wires, perhaps preferring to have a good vantage point.

We then walked up to The Moat and saw a small group of birders sitting on the bank, seemingly waiting for something to appear. At that point we were informed by the warden that a Red-breasted Flycatcher was lurking in the bushes so we joined the group on the bank.

No sign for a while but then it appeared flitting tantalisingly in and out of the sallows, but over a period of time did show for sufficient time for me to get a few shots. Well that was totally unexpected but you have to get lucky sometime.

What a cracking little bird. The Red-footed Falcon has now been reported from Elmley so off we go to call in on the way home to try our luck.

WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!