Archive for October 7th, 2007

7th October 2007, Sunday

Sounds from the sky

Following Andy’s advice in his October 4th post, I can recommend a few other sites and approaches for seeing – or at least hearing – migrants at Hastings Country Park. Birds often pass very low over the track between the car park and the quarry, but there is liable to be some disturbance there. Better to go onto the cliff-edge beneath the radar mast or at Lover’s Seat. In either place, coasting birds have dipped into the landslip and come up right past your head.

They often go past so quickly that you only get the briefest look, and often that’s against the light. Goldfinches and wagtails are easy to recognize in such conditions, but others can be confusing. However, most of these birds call persistently to keep in contact with the rest of the flock, and you can learn to pick out their distinctive notes.

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7th October 2007, Sunday

News from RSPB Dungeness

The first red-necked grebe of the autumn was found on ARC Pit late yesterday evening and was still present today. In contrast, two garganeys were seen together on the islands in front of Makepeace hide, maybe some of the last records of the year. Four redpolls and sixteen siskins flew over, whilst further along the road, the dotterel remained hidden throughout the day.     Â