A Spring Day at Dungeness

29th April 2024

A sunny day and a light southerly breeze so off to Dungeness on the south coast to see what was about. First stop was the RSPB reserve which was a bit quiet, but still time to marvel at one of the magical Cormorant colonies there.

We only saw two Reed Buntings around the trails but one was belting its song out from the top of a bush next to the visitor centre.

The Sedge Warblers were a little more wary with most singing from cover, but this one was happy to make the most of the sun.................

.......................but it was the Whitethroats that were the most cooperative.

Next stop was The Moat at The Observatory where all you could hear was the jangling call of a Lesser Whitethroat. It was hidden for most of the time but then popped up to see what was going on.

Now on to the fishing boats where you not only see acres of shingle but also swathes of Sea Thrift and Sea Kale. 

This Sea Kale had just come into flower.

This shingle desert is home to Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits which strut their stuff amongst the marine plants mentioned above as well as Sea Campion.

Also plenty of Linnets around and this splendid male was singing on top of a stand of Sea Kale.

And it is that time of year when Wheatears are passing through and we must have seen at least 8-10 on our travels. This one is a female.................

...................and looking smart against a backdrop of Spanish Bluebells.

But the males take smart to a new level as they flit amongst various wooden or rock perches.

This one caught what looks like a Gypsy Moth caterpillar.

But the star of the show today was the male Black Redstart that was initially based on the perimeter wall of the power station.....................

......................and yes, it was a bit blowy.

Also, I can't recall seeing a male with such conspicuous white fringeing to the black breast feathers.

It then re-located to the garden of one of the new bungalows which afforded some shots in a more natural background.

I wouldn't mind one of those on my garden list!!!!