Friday 6 May 2016

A morning of Pomarine Skuas

Dungeness - 0700-1000hrs - warm, dry, hazy sunshine, e 2 - A terrific morning of seawatching from the hide and boardwalk dominated by an up-Channel passage of Pomarine Skuas. By the time I left site the tally had passed the 60 plus mark with many more to follow no doubt, and a welcome return to form after a disappointing spring last year. They powered through in small, loose flocks. typically of three to five, mostly pale phase birds with variable sets of spoons, but also several dark morphs, and some close to shore. The highlight of spring migration at Dungeness without a doubt.
Also on the move a steady flow of Common Scoters, Common and Sandwich Terns, Gannets, Whimbrels, 18 Little Terns, a Garganey, two Little Gulls and a Black Tern working the scum line in front of the Patch.

                           "Four Poms coming, they`re over the Patch now!"

                                Black Tern working the scum

               Pomarine Skua (top and left a bit!) over the Dungeness cardinal buoy

PS: The final total of Pomarine Skuas passing Dungeness today reached an impressive 119 individuals (with 100 by midday). For full details see: www.ploddingbirder.blogspot.co.uk

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