New Islands, New Hide and Gulls

The new islands created in 2024 at Dengemarsh, RSPB Dungeness are being used by good numbers of Lapwing and the occasional Snipe this winter. Gulls also seem to like roosting on them.

Lapwings roosting on the new islands at Dengemarsh

Bad hair day in the recent strong winds

Normally difficult to get a good look at Snipe on the reserve recently due to high water levels restricting where they can hide. This one was nice an obvious on the island with the Lapwings.

Saw this gull on Burrowes Pit through bins and immediately thought first winter Caspian but on checking my photos I now think it is a first winter Yellow-legged Gull. 

First winter Yellow-legged Gull

First winter Yellow-legged Gull

I then located this first winter Caspian Gull on the islands at Dengemarsh.

First winter Caspian Gull (centre) in flight with Herring Gulls of various ages

First winter Caspian Gull in flight 

First winter Caspian Gull (left) with Herring Gulls of various ages

Here is the new hide to replace the old Makepeace hide arriving and partially built. Hopefully not too long before it can be used. 

The replacement for Makepeace hide going up. I think the plan is for part of the roof to be a living roof which no doubt the Herring Gulls will love.