We had a topsy-turvy penultimate Outdoor Meeting of the year in the Dungeness area today. We met at the Fishing Boats where a few Brent Geese, Kittiwake and a single Scoter were seen, a fishing boat sailed past gutting fish attracting many gulls and a small male Peregrine in pursuit.

Moving on we looked at the reinstated patch and watched eight Red-throated Divers move past in flight. We walked across the shingle and arrived spaced out at the moat when I picked out a bright juvenile Pallas’ Warbler, fairly low to the ground, loosely associated with some Goldcrests and Firecrests and at one point it hovered showing its lemon-yellow rump. Alas only three members saw the bird and apart from one other birder it wasn’t seen again for the rest of the day.

A phone call alerted us to a Stone Curlew on the beach near Greatstone and we were all soon enjoying scope views of this very special bird. Sandwich Terns were feeding close inshore and a selection of other waders were scoped. A very late lunch was had at the ARC Pit where Goldeneye, Cetti’s Warbler and another Firecrest were seen. We stayed out until dusk watching three Short-eared Owls, Golden Plovers and Red-legged Partridges on Lydd Ranges before calling it a day. Thanks to Martin Casemore for his help today and thanks to DBO for accommodating us with refreshments etc.