Monday 3 January 2011

KOS Field Trip: Dungeness

Dungeness (Kent): We joined others for the KOS organised Gull 'workshop' at 09:00 lead by Andy Lawson who delivered a very enjoyable day to all that attended. Starting at the coast, there was a noticeable large movement of Red-throated Divers moving east, a first winter Glaucous Gull, Gannets (6), Guillemot, Kittiwakes and a Merlin that gave chase relentlessly to a small passerine!

A little after an hour later we moved to the 'patch' where much sifting through Gulls took place. An interesting second winter Herring Gull 'type' was located and there was much discussion about whether it was a Caspian or not, but as with many Gulls of this type the final identity will probably remain inconclusive. Other birds located here though included: Mediterranean Gull (winter adult), Peregrine (1) and a distant Skua that those present agreed was most likely an Arctic Skua.

Moving onto the RSPB Reserve: Black-necked Grebe (1), Smew (1 male, 4 female), Goosander (2 male, 3 female), Bittern (1), Goldeneye (1 female), Little Egret (2) and Marsh Harriers (2) added significantly to the days highlights. As the afternoon wore on, a final visit to the 'patch' was made to again view the Gulls; on this occasion what was certainly a first winter Caspian Gull and a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull were located concluding an enjoyable visit to the Dungeness area.

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull

Smew

Common Seal

Common Seal

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