So we’ve given the Stejneger’s Stonechat at Dungeness three goes. We got a a good soaking got blown away by the wind and then today walked around in freezing conditions. The good news was that today we finally found the bird and enjoyed good views of this very GREY individual.
The bird has been the subject of much debate with a poop sample being collected and sent to Aberdeen for testing apparently labeling the bird as Stejneger’s and starting a whole new level of interest.
So imagine having finally found it the same day the DNA results are revisited and the bird is now thought to be a STONECHAT so will be coming off many a list as I type but fair play all those that voiced the doubt even with the DNA seemingly offering proof of it’s pedigree.
Still a great bird!
Before the Stonechat we enjoyed a cracking sunrise and bagged a few Kittiwake for our trouble and a Great White Egret from the causeway to give another year tick.
At Scotney we failed to find any Bean Geese amongst the Greylags but did pick out four Pink-feet and four feral Snow Geese. The feral Barnacles were also there in good numbers as usual.
So with a few Ruff on the reserve and added to the Little Owl picked up in Havering during the week my year list now stands at 133.
Brian Anderson
Essex Birder using the blog as a diary of my trips around the country chasing birds. Enjoying the places it takes me and the people I meet along the way. Great to spend time with my Dad and brother as we chase our year lists and grow our life list in the process.
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