I‘ve been busy at the reserves again. Last week I decided to visit RSPB Dungeness on one of the windiest days this autumn. It’s an area I have visited in the past, but back then it was to photograph the old boats and fishing huts with my film camera. I probably noticed the entrance to the reserve, but didn’t pay much attention. Turning off up the unmade track, I was surprised at how far it was to the visitor centre. Not a bad thing, as I spotted a kestrel and female stonechat on the way back. It was a weird feeling sitting in my parked car with the window down, listening to Jeremy Vine, whilst watching the latter cling to a bramble in a howling gale. The image is featured above.
More of the reserve though. It has a nice block of toilets as you arrive – a great plus if you plan on spending several hours there. It’s the only place that charges for access so far, but it was well worth it. For a start, you could sit in the toasty centre and watch through a huge picture window. One of the large gravel pits is literally just the other side and there was plenty to see. Having abandoned my crutch that very morning, I was worried about walking too far and yet I was able to manage three hides with no problem. As ever, I found some friendly people willing to point out the birds of interest, although there weren’t that many around due to the weather.
The receptionist had very kindly told me I could drive round to visit the furthest hide and on the way, I spotted a huge bird of prey. I wish I could tell you what it was, but it flew off before I could get my camera off the passenger seat. Buzzards and marsh harriers are common there, so maybe I will get lucky another time.
Only a few days later I found myself back at Hall Place in Bexley. The idea had come to me that morning and after doing the zoo and rushing around with the vacuum, I set off and arrived shortly before midday. Once again, there were plenty of friendly people there and it seems as though I hadn’t missed anything so far. We didn’t have long to wait before the kingfisher turned up and although he gave us a wonderful display of fishing, he kept returning to a perch obscured by twigs.
Luckily he returned after about half an hour and perched on a branch on our side of the river.
After catching his lunch, he once again perched on the other bank, but this time my view was a lot better.
My reserve count so far for this year is nine, but having seen some stunning photographs in a Facebook group, I have a mind to visit one more. I’ve been given clear directions and now I only have to wait for some decent weather. Oare Marshes, here I come!
sidilbradipo1
5 Dec 2017Wonderful, gorgeous birds, superb shots <3
Ciao
Sid
Zooey
5 Dec 2017Hi Sid! It seems I’m no longer getting e-mail notifications when you comment. I’ve asked my hosting company to look into it, but in the meantime, please don’t be offended if I go quiet on you. Thank you for the lovely comment. Stonechats are fast becoming one of my favourite birds (apart from Kingfishers, that is). I’m hoping to see some at Oare Marshes this week 🙂
sidilbradipo1
5 Dec 2017Hi 😀
Don’t worry, it is a common problem with WordPress 😛
Kingfishers are gorgeous but also that little guy (in italian Saltimpalo) is wonderful <3
Have a great Tuesday!
Sid
Zooey
5 Dec 2017No, no, no… I don’t need any more problems with WordPress. I seem to fix one and two more turn up 😀 . It’s nice to know the name of stonechat in Italian. Take care 🙂
sidilbradipo1
6 Dec 2017😀