Spring Starts - sort of

Signs of spring continue to emerge across the peninsula with Oystercatcher, Teal, Shoveler, Goldeneye and Tufted ducks pairing up, Ringed Plovers and Marsh Harriers displaying, Bitterns booming and our first Sand Martin recorded by Kevin Ellse on the 12th March who also found a male Long-tailed Duck on Lade south on the 13th. White wagtails have started to appear at the Point, Springfield Bridge and New Romney Sewage Works. A Spoonbill at Dengemarsh on the 13th and female White-tailed Eagle G542 from the Isle of White re-introduction appeared over the reserve again, she really likes it here. Offshore, sea watching remains tough with low numbers of migrating birds in the predominantly northerly winds. Two Goosander on the 12th along with flocks of Dark-bellied Brent goose totalling 715 east are highlights. At least two Water Pipits continue to be hard to see commuting between the Flood Field and Hayfields. 18 Black-tailed Godwits briefly visited Dengemarsh on the 11th with five in-off at the Point. A female Black Redstart continues to show well at the Power Station wall. 

Oystercatcher Pair on the reserve

Black-tailed Godwits migrating past the Point

Female Black Redstart

Male Long-tailed Duck with male Goldeneye

Male Long-tailed Duck

Male White Wagtail

Male White Wagtail

Damp Female? White Wagtail after a heavy sleet shower

Dark-bellied Brent Goose moving east at the Point

Two Black-tailed Godwits on Hayfield 1

Brown Hare on the reserve