A little over a month after visiting Dungeness Spit in Washington State, USA I made my way to (the original) Dungeness in Kent to visit the RSPB reserve there. The aim was much the same; do a bit of bird watching and try to get some photos.
The drive down was made all the more enjoyable with all the autumn colour on show to all sides. Once near Dungeness, with the power station close by, there is an unmetalled trail of about a mile to the visitor centre. A welcome refuge from the mild but fairly strong breeze.
visitor centre
The visitor’s centre is a modern building holding a gift shop, reception area and a hot drinks machine. There are large windows looking out onto the reserve and telescopes set up for anyone to use.
The reserve consists of a circular trail with hides dotted along it. All these look out onto the lagoons (mostly old gravel works) and give good protection from the elements.
birds seen
Great views of female Marsh Harrier using the wind to quarter over the reeds looking for prey.
Many, many Coots, lots of ducks including a few Pintail but no Smew, Goldeneye or Goosanders as it is a little too early for most of them to be back from the Summer holidays.
About a dozen swans on Denge Marsh and several Little Egrets dotted about the place.
Once back at the visitor centre I returned to the car for late packed lunch (well a Cornish pasty). Then drove back to the main road and into the smaller car park on the other side of the road to take a look at the lagoons here. A further two hides are located here and give good views over the water.
The light was starting to fade so I made my way along the coast to Hythe and my accommodation for the night at the Castle Inn, Saltwood.
