Pett Levels, Scotney and Dungeness RSPB 30/12/10

Visited these sites today with Dick Gilmore. Pett Levels was first and we immediately found the RED-BREASTED GOOSE amongst many White-fronted Geese. On the sea was a very impressive 100+ Red-throated Divers along with Great Crested Grebes. Moving further east along the levels we found the 55 Brent Geese of which 9 of them were Pale-bellied Brent Geese. Also 50+ Barnacle Geese. On the beach were 2 Knot, 38 Dunlin and 5 Grey Plover.

Scotney GP was dead with nothing noted on two visits despite reports of Bean and Pink-footed Geese being present. Also we dipped the Rough-legged Buzzard on the Galloways. Many thanks Martin for the phonecall.

Dungeness RSPB however was really good with a great surprise of an adult CASPIAN GULL from Makepeace hide. Also from this hide were 6 Goosanders including 4 drakes, 6 Smew, 2 Goldeneye and 2 Marsh Harriers.

Adult Caspian Gull - note the pear shaped head; small beady dark eye; longish lores; darker mantle than accompanying Herring Gulls; lack of tertial step; slim pink legs; very long wings; strong white tips on four primaries; thick chest and very long winged. When head up the long, slender bill was noted.

Goosander and Smew at Dungeness RSPB