As the weather forecast suggests that the weekend could be unsettled with more rain expected I headed to Pagham Harbour for a reconnoitre in advance of a planned walk this coming Saturday. Throughout my wanderings I logged a total of 54 species including 3 new sightings for this year. Starting at the Ferry Pool there were at least a dozen Common Snipe clearly visible on the grassy margins plus one sleeping Avocet and plenty of Shelduck. A short walk at the head of the harbour produced a Kestrel and the first of a number of Cetti's Warblers calling loudly from its hideaway in thick undergrowth.
A Little Egret carefully watching for any movement in the muddy water below.
I then drove to Church Norton and scoped the usual waders collecting on the exposed ridges in the harbour on the fast rising tide; Dunlin, Knot, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Curlew and Redshanks. I then managed a few shots of a pair of Common Ringed Plover who were investigating a possible nesting site on the shingle close to my location.
Common Ringed Plover
Black-headed Gulls taking a rest.
Heading east towards The Severals a Stonechat appeared very briefly and 3 Mute Swans flew past with the upper pair trying hard not to bump into each other!
Another new tick for 2010 was a single Spotted Redshank busily feeding on one of the small pools. With the sky looking a bit dark I headed into a small patch of woodland after watching two Common Buzzards soaring overhead and found a likely spot to consume my packed lunch. I had just got settled when I spotted the flitting movement high in the leafless canopy that suggested Goldcrest but when I honed in with the bins I was amazed to locate, not one, but two Firecrests frantically feeding. My efforts to capture them with the camera were thwarted by their failure to keep still for more than a second but nevertheless I enjoyed their 'out of reach' company for over 10 minutes before they moved off to a denser thickett.
On my return walk back towards Church Norton this Linnet posed and sang from an open perch. Back at the churchyard I located a Chiffchaff (possibly newly arrived) and would you believe it another Firecrest! So all in all a good omen for the weekend providing it doesn't rain continually and the chance that some other migrants may arrive in the next few days. FAB.
n1 Frank - 54 species is excellent.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking for Firecrests with no joy - plenty of Goldcrests though.
As usual, I enjoyed your post and photos, especially the one of the mute swans. What a nice walk!
ReplyDeleteSuch a variety again! Your photos are just terrific.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good day Frank - 3 firecrests and a spot shank make for some decent birding!
ReplyDeleteWonderful birdie day. Love the photos. The Chiffchaff looks pretty.
ReplyDeleteHi Frank,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new ticks, it is all the time a pleasure to see new species for the year and to have new ticks... I guess we are getting the same weather, it is still raining, even if they forecast sun today! Your ringed plover picture is wonderful and my favorite in this post!
Love the photo of the Linnet. Don't think I have ever seen one.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a collection already Frank. Great to even see the little Firecrests let alone photograph them.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about the water, the slight ripple, and the swan that brings true peace to me. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat number of birds Frank and glad it was a successful day. Just to think - Firecrests are still on my much wanted list and I missed them!!!
ReplyDeleteHope the weather's kind to you on Saturday....
That is really wonderful, you certainly have the nack.
ReplyDeleteGreat day out Frank with some quality birds. Any day with Spot-shank and Firecrest in it would do for me, let alone three of the latter! I'm insanely jealous! (-:
ReplyDeleteSuch a productive walk you had! Love those plovers - they seem so comical to me - but very handsome!
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos. Carol
ReplyDeleteLOVELY! The swans in flight take my breath away....I've never seen swans in flight (in person) before.
ReplyDeleteAt last a small window to catch up on a bit of blogging... you lucky thing seeing a Firecrest - never seen one although we do get Goldcrests in the garden and woodland which is lovely but they're not easy to see - you tend to hear them first! Enjoy your week - Miranda
ReplyDeleteThats a good number of species for one walk Frank besides the new species.
ReplyDeleteA good omen for the weekend Frank.
ReplyDeleteSome good birds there. Hope Saturday is even better for you mate.
Hi "Early Birders". Thanks for all the lovely comments. Finding a few new species for the year, especially the flighty Firecrests, is always a joy. The weather forecast for tomorrow is not great so photos may be thin on the ground but I'll let you all know what I find on after the event.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend everyone. FAB.
Frank, what I would give for a dozen species in one day, fifty-four, oh that is certainly quite a grande day. I especially like the Swans flying and the Ring-necked Plovers. Be well~
ReplyDeleteHi Mary. With a few more pairs of eyes it could have been more!
ReplyDelete