Dungeness

[Ukwildlifeo]

Has any one been? A look at thr recent sightnings and my recent experiences here in north kent and at stodmarsh have led me to conclude there is verey little about. However there does appear to be porpoises present at Dungeness at the mo. Has anyone seen them or can anyone recommend what to look for and where to look while there?

[Hobjob]

I was there in April - excellent day including
black necked grebe and fantastic views of
bearded tits.

Looking worward to going back.

[Adam Cheeseman]

I have been twice in the last three weeks and seen individual porpoises each time whilst watching the seabirds. What you look out for is the small dark gently rolling shape of the porpoises back with a smal fin. It can apear as if they are actually rolling on the spot as they progress quite slowly at times. Seabird wise, yesterday I saw Arctic, Common, Sandwich, and Black Terns, Arctic Skuas, and various gulls. There were a few waders flying by too. For the Porpoise/s you will need binoculars at least and preferably a telescope. The RSPB is pretty quiet as the water levels are too high for any decent migration action. Pett Levels/Carters Flood nearby to the west of Winchelsea is pretty good for waders.

Cheers,

Adam

[Cazzie]

Oh the memories.....

When I was a kid, every year without fail, our family would pack the car and head off to Dungeness for our 'yearly' holiday - can still see and smell it now lol!

Couldn't tell you much about the wildlife (just loved the fresh fish and crabs!) but do tell me if the small guage railway is still running?!? Been on that bloomin' thing so many times over the years I should have shares in it by now lol!

Would love to know what you do find when you go Ukwildlifeo!

[Ukwildlifeo]

just got back from Dungeness. Have to say the RSPB reserve was bit dissapointing with not much about - just common ducks and swans and a few ruddy darters. There was a couple of nice things thou: Saw my first 'wild' ruddy ducks and I glimpsed a Peregrine falcon which briefly landed, which was also a first for me.

We then popped down to near the lighthouse and saw a few glimpses of some porpoises. I also saw my first gannet which was nice and some possible skuas - not sure thou as there where alot of adult black back gulls and they might have just been juvs.

So all in all a nice day out, just dissapointing after a hours journey to get there.

[Dan Salter]

I love the place...Have pics of me as a toddler beach casting with my grandad ( fishing ) and have been down there almost every year since in one for or another...college photography projects...days out for walks with gf's....just a nice drive and fish and chips in the pub by the lighthouse....botany trips...wildlife/bird watching or just to be back in the place that hasnt changed in 50 years and smell it, listen to it, see it...
Famous artist / filmaker Derek Jarmenn house "Prospect cottage" sits on the beach and is preserved as it was.

[Cazzie]

Originally Posted by Dan Salter

I love the place...Have pics of me as a toddler beach casting with my grandad ( fishing ) and have been down there almost every year since in one for or another...college photography projects...days out for walks with gf's....just a nice drive and fish and chips in the pub by the lighthouse....botany trips...wildlife/bird watching or just to be back in the place that hasnt changed in 50 years and smell it, listen to it, see it...
Famous artist / filmaker Derek Jarmenn house "Prospect cottage" sits on the beach and is preserved as it was.

That's spooky! The pub by the lighthouse... does it still sell 'Courage' best bitter? Many a time bro and I would be sat outside on the shingle 'waiting' for our ginger beer and packet of crisps whilst mum and dad enjoyed themselves in the bar... Most of the time we'd feed the seagulls with the crisps lol!

Sorry you were disappointed Ukwildlifeo - but you had a couple of firsts with the Ruddy duck and Peregrine, so it can't have been to bad eh!

[fatcat]

I think you were just very unlucky. I used to volunteer there a while back and there was always lots around. Very good for insects too. Wish i lived nearer so that i could go back and help out every now and again. As or rare birds i seem to remember a spur winged plover.

[loony]

hi , it`s been about 10 years since i was last at dungeness and saw ruff , crested pochard , an albino oystercatcher, golden plover and heaps more . the rspb site is really good --had ringed plover there with one leg!

[rlchew]

Excellent birds there and in the area on New Years Day .... Smew, Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Duck.

The Dungeness area always looks bleak and empty but with patience there are usually good birds to be seen at any time of the year.

Richard

[tufftie]

I used to vol on the RSPB reserve there, so admit anything I say is biased! There's always lots to see there even if it's not birds - good for insects too, especially moths and dragonflies. The light can sometimes be a bit bleak but sometimes also very strange but that's part of its charm. The staff are great too (or the ones that i knew that are still aroound anyway) but then i would say that...!