A pretty quiet day but a Sedge Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher were new arrivals in the bushes whilst a flock of Sanderling and Dunlin provided some entertainment at the fishing boats. Offshore passage was virtually non-existent so the big surprise of the day was the reappearance of the previously long-staying second-year Iceland Gull at the Patch this morning.
![]() |
Dunlin Calidris alpina Dungeness 25th May 2021 This bird would appear to be of the race alpina. Note the rich rufous edgings of the coverts and scapulars and a pale, whitish looking head. |
![]() |
Sanderling Calidris alba Dungeness 25th May 2021 A variety of plumages among a flock of 70 birds at the Fishing Boats this morning. |
One Porpoise was seen.
On the botanical front we are finally get a few things in flower. Yellow Vetch can now be found on the bank surrounding the Observatory and the first Yellow-juiced Poppies were found. in front of the Observatory.
![]() |
Yellow Vetch Vicia lutea Dungeness 25th May 2021 |
![]() |
Yellow-juiced Poppy Papaver lecoqui Dungeness 25th May 2021 |