Grey Day, Grey Geese

After a morning seawatch, a check on Walland Marsh for the flock of seven grey geese (possibly/probably Bean Geese, possibly with Pink-feet) that Neil Burt found late afternoon on the 1st Feb in dull and drizzly conditions. Never close in the Ashentree Lane area but the flock of seven were still at the same location and still distant from Cutter's Bridge. Initial identification of all Bean Geese was later changed to three Pink-footed Geese and four Tundra Bean Geese. Well done Neil. 

View from Cutter's Bridge. Three Pink-footed Geese (left) and four Tundra Bean Geese (right)

After the goose flock disappeared from Ashentree, Martin re-located them at the Beaconsfield/Hook Wall area, and they were closer. Thanks for the call Martin.

Three Pink-footed Geese with Greylags (foreground)

Four Tundra Been Geese with the three Pink-feet at the back

Greater White-fronted Goose (left) and four Tundra Been Geese

Single Tundra Been Goose (foreground) and three Pink-footed Geese

Pink-footed Goose

A scan of Boulderwall Fields at RSPB Dungeness located six Pink-footed Goose of which all appeared to be adults. Despite Greylags and Canada Goose also being present the flock tended to remain together and separate from them.

Pink-footed Goose with Greylags and Canada Goose

A wander towards Dengemarsh hide recorded at least three Water Pipits on the Hayfields and 576 Lapwing on the islands on New Excavations. Wandering back to the Visitor Centre with Martin and Richard, a stop at Firth Lookout resulted in Martin picking up a Firecrest, always a gem of a bird.

Firecrest (male)