Dungeness 4th Oct

Took Sue to work today in Hythe - half way to Dunge, be rude not to go all the way! Started at Arc, where there were about 250 golden plover and 1 little stint amongst usual suspects. 1 sparrowhawk flew across the back of the pool as did 1 marsh harrier. In amongst the canada geese was one white goose which seemed to have an identity crisis. Plenty of chiffchaffs around the willows and the black neck grebe was also still present.
Rich roast time led me to the firth hide which showed 2 grey plover. A drive up to denge where the great white egret was still showing, 3 marsh harriers, and 3 kestrels. Loads of yellow wags around, one report noted 200! After another rich roast I ventured back to ARC as the tide was now up, on the way saw 2 stonechat and 1 sparrowhawk. Hanson hide showed most as seen earlier except no little stint. A sparrowhawk flew past the hide 3 times so close I'm sure I could have caught it if I stuck my hand out. 2 dunlin tried to hide unsuccessfully amongst the plover and 3 garganey were noted.
An unusual trip to the beach ensued for a quick sea watch which was well worth it as on arrival there was a line of 10 spoonbills flying over. Other birds of note were gannets, common and sandwich terns, 2 skuas, common scoters, 1 unidentified auk (too far out) and at least 3 porpoises.
Count for the day 60

Garganey

Grey Plover

Stonechat