Dungeness Bird Observatory Visit, 31 August – 7 September

We have just returned from Kent, having spent a week ringing at the Dungeness Bird Observatory.
While we were there, things were busy with the Autumn migration; many birds and butterflies were
passing through on their way to France and beyond. Numbers of birds in the net began fairly quiet,
with a trickle of Blackcaps and Willow Warblers. We kept busy by setting spring traps for Whinchat
and Stonechat, in which we were successful. On Wednesday, conditions for mist netting were
perfect, and we were treated to 60 birds of a range of species, including Pied Flycatcher, Sedge
Warbler, and Whitethroat. This was their best day for ringing so far this year! Dungeness is lucky to
get one Grasshopper Warbler a year, but we managed to catch 3 while we were down there.
Perhaps this is an indication of a good breeding year for certain species. Results like these indicate
how important the work of observatories are for monitoring the fortunes of both common and rarer
birds.

A personal highlight for Holly was ringing a Firecrest, a species that is hardly recorded in
Nottinghamshire and a fairly rare catch for the Bird Observatory too. It was a striking male with a
vivid fluorescent orange crest.

There was also a Wryneck in the scrub of the desert area where we were spring trapping. On this
occasion, seen but not caught, though it certainly lured in the birdwatchers.

Two days were totally rained off with persistent high winds and storms. Although it wasn’t mist
netting weather, we made the most of seawatching and making time to research other projects.
Upon arrival, the area seemed very quiet for nature, seemingly with little habitat. However, our
experiences through the week proved this to be incorrect: whether it was the full moth traps each
night, the migrating birds, or the friendly foxes, wildlife was everywhere on this part of the coast. It
was a pleasure to stay here for a great week. Thanks to David, Tom and Jill for all their help and
enthusiasm.

Holly and Josh

Dungeness (HJ)

Firecrest (JP)

Whinchat (HJ)