RSPB Dungeness sightings
5th January 2011, WednesdayBewick’s swan – large numbers (100+) are still coming in to roost on the ARC pit. They are more often heard than seen as the majority of them are coming in after dark. They are leaving between 7.30 and 8.00 the following morning. Barnacle Goose – two flocks (totalling about 125 birds) flew in from the west on the afternoon of 3rd. They circled above Burrowes pit for a few minutes before joining up and flying off east. Goldeneye – up to three on the ARC pit or Burrowes pit, daily. Smew – up to 14 all week, including two males. Goosander – up to four around the site all week. Black-necked grebe – one on Burrowes pit on 4th. Bittern – at least seven around the site all week including one feeding just a few feet from Scott hide. Other sightings at the ARC site, Denge Marsh and New Excavations. Water rail – one or two showing from Scott Hide all week. Hen harrier – one at the ARC site on 4th. Merlin – one on 4th. Snipe – several around the site all week. Black-tailed godwit – five on Denge Marsh on 3rd. Caspian gull – two adults on Burrowes pit on 1st. Firecrest – two at the ARC site on 1st, one in Christmas Dell on 4th. Chiffchaff – one near Scott hide on 4th.