Raptor burst

A quiet morning on Dungeness peninsula was turned on its head by a sudden burst of activity mid-morning. I was on the RSPB reserve with Mark H and Colin T when a call from Martin C (who was sky-watching from the Plodland front garden) alerted us to a Red Kite, present in the air space between the airport and ARC water tower. We gathered by the Dennis's hide view point, but Martin's kite was a no show - however, I picked up another kite, coming from the NE and straight towards us. It started to circle above Burrowes Pit and Mark H was first to call it as a Black Kite - the bird was good enough to then head west, being seen by Martin C who was able to add it to his ever expanding Plodland list! Within half an hour up to 12 Common Buzzards and seven Hobby had moved through, four Mediterranean Gulls appeared out of a blue sky, and the first-summer Iceland Gull that had been on a Burrowes Pit island appeared to leave the area in a purposeful NW bearing. With the wind turning to the SW, the temperature dropped and the passage stopped.

Comments

Gavin Haig said…
What a terrific 'out of the blue' birdy happening...

Envy!
29 May 2017 at 21:32
Steve Gale said…
It was an enjoyable morning Gav and one that we didn't take for granted, believe me.
29 May 2017 at 21:45
dmcjournal said…
The joy of birding, you just never know what might be flying your way at any time.
29 May 2017 at 21:53
dmcjournal said…
I just noticed that you've put me on your list of 'Worthy Blogs'. I'm not sure that applies to me but thank you. Much appreciated.
29 May 2017 at 21:56
Steve Gale said…
It does apply to you David - please keep posting!
29 May 2017 at 22:08
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