A load of blokes get up really early and get very cold on a shingle bank, all in pursuit of a dull hobby. What losers.
I also went to Dungeness yesterday! All becomes clear, the title makes perfect sense! Hawky, Bradders and I went on an early migrant hunt, but it was fairly quiet. Actually, perhaps it wasn't. First up were two smart Wheatear, that despite being nearly asleep, I picked up whilst driving along the approach road. These were then eagerly twitched by the other two, albeit from the car. A quick look at the sea gave us a few Sandwich Terns, and a couple of Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter. Back on the shingle, it wasn't long before Paul picked up the first of about four Black Redstart, and the bushes in the moat produced a minimum of three Firecrest. The various pits held four Slav Grebes, two Black-necked Grebes, a Redhead Smew, and several unmentionable ducks. Near the humming toilet block, a Willow Warbler sang. That put me on 177 for the year. When did I say I would hit 200?
Pied Wagtail
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9uBi8NQHNT6IgSSAA-lLPm-iY6XiQyfQwG8Na00gFrHzO-o5dyufKQN7KwzyqkS9c9RQaevMZ6p1BxcEROA0JmXpQ3VSob5CbN3JmP08QorAhO-_9S8sGUzeJnKOydUgyc3uPUqhrXg/s800/IMG_5525_Reed%20Bunting,%20Dungeness.jpg)
Although this was a fine haul, the birds were easily eclipsed by Breakfast at the cafe. Rarely have I seen such a huge breakfast, but after my early (and nourishment free) start I probably could have eaten two of them. Look at this! I feel fat just looking at it.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-F3tlMPOpA2gtuY_u1jg47Q1-H9w3RQIEHkVaHJYmPep9w6J9yIHSRlXDXELfF97syCinn6ZBB_U21FXXH54vU2JVvhRv7TowxqUQSyHGEIYaOlKLNRbXtbTJ4PcbunYZnzcg96eux0/s912/IMG_5474_Breakfast,%20Dungeness.jpg)
Back in London mid-afternoon, Bradders and I hit Rainham. 'Hit' in the lazy amble around not trying too hard sense. We probably missed a fly-over Spoonbill, such is life, but early evening sunshine and a smart adult male Wheatear made it easier to bear. I was so knackered when I finally got home I couldn't even write this. I tried, but it didn't read at all well, whereas now of course it is perfect. Hem hem.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3bk2hrKszw3fE8wYfno3WJZ0TCTC6NLoPtsfBCVOgG5HqbXFgKG9folm9HLOaoIUzkGug651nohO9xeLCYRrNpxDCwUTMTG__khttrfB3dt4BxwpkBRci9sc7-aisA_zhThyKLQKfI0/s576/IMG_5643_Reeds.jpg)
An impressive Breakfast worth capitalising, even if it doesn't have black pudding.
ReplyDeleteLove the reed bunting photo! Not sure about that breakfast, though, but hey, all the more for you.
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