Friday 17 September 2010

Dungeness RSPB Friday 17th September

Dungeness lived up to it's windy reputation today but thankfully it was bright and as ever there was plenty going on, but you had to look for it.

Bird highlights included a quartet of raptors including the ever present Marsh Harriers, supported by at least five hovering Kestrels, possibly a couple more, three dashing Hobbies and a low flying Sparrowhawk.

On the Hirundine front Sand Martins were by far the most numerous with just a smattering of Swallows and a few House Martins. In the singing department Cetti's Warblers came 'Top of the Pops' singing from every corner of the reserve. For sheer good looks it was a close call between a Kingfisher and a Great White Egret both seen near the Denge Marsh hide.

Over on the ARC site the entertainment included three stunning Black Terns, two Dunlin, two Black tailed Godwits, two Med Gulls and three Pintails. You can't complain about that line up can you? In all I found 43 species of birds today. But that wasn't all, I also found Frogs, a Grass Snake, a very handsome caterpillar, a few butterflies, loads of Dragonflies, a cricket and more Common Lizards than you can shake a stick at, which I think is what the Kestrels were after.

Not everything came under the gaze of my lens, but below are some of the super creatures that did.






MARSH FROGS...JUST HANGING OUT



CATERPILLAR OF THE KNOTGRASS MOTH




SMALL HEATH BUTTERFLY





HOBBY






MIGRANT HAWKER'S LUNCH (YUK!)



MIGRANT HAWKER'S DESSERT



SMALL COPPER



ROESEL'S BUSH CRICKET




CORMORANT





COMMON DARTER? ON A BROWN TAIL MOTH TENT I THINK


COMMON LIZARD




AND AGAIN SHOWING COLOUR VARIATION



THERE WERE ACTUALLY FIVE HERE, ONE GOT AWAY!


6 comments:

Ken. said...

Hi Phil.
As usual another great day had at Dunge.
You have certainly got the hang of this photography lark, especially the arial shots, like the Hobby, you will have to give me a couple of lessons as I keep losing the plot.
Have a good weekend.

Jann said...

Nice collection of shots Phil...I always enjoy seeing the small copper, any cormorant shot makes me think of home (where I grew up), I love the frogs' shot, and I'm an odd gal who thinks lizards are cute ;o) Nicely done.

Anonymous said...

Cracking photos Phil.

Greenie said...

Phil ,
Great selection of species and great shots .
Surprisingly the Migrant Hawker taking dessert is an immature male , so late in the season .
Your Darter is a Common , well past it's sell by date .

Warren Baker said...

What myriad of species phil, well photographed too. The Hobby is a great shot :-)

ShySongbird said...

Another good day out, Phil and lovely photos to illustrate it.

I enjoyed seeing the Marsh Frogs, we don't get them in this area as far as far as I know. I love the Lizards too.