Yesterday morning I headed southwards to Pagham Harbour and arrived just under two hour before high tide so most of the wildlife was very distant but would slowly get closer as the day wore on.
Little Egret fishing on the Lagoon Pool.
Other species included Little and Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Ducks, Mute Swan and Coots.
As I headed inland there were the usual Black-headed Gulls, Black-tailed Godwits and Curlew feeding plus a few Magpies. Lots of Swallows were skimming the water and feeding up before their long journey south for the winter. Linnets, Goldfinches and Chiffchaffs were also seen.
As I approached the North Wall two Common Sandpipers called as they flew off but fortunately one returned but it was well camouflaged amongst all the tidal sludge! During the next 45 minutes I added Grey Wagtail, Teal, Wigeon, Canada Geese, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Heron, Reed Warbler, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Robin, Woodpigeons and Carrion Crow.
I then joined up with a group of birders who were watching a WRYNECK and just managed a distant record shot (heavily cropped) before it flew out of sight.
While scoffing my packed lunch several Little Egrets flew overhead, a Cetti's Warbler called out several times and I also added Reed Buning, Greenftinch, Common Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Starlings, Common Buzzard and Kestrel to my day list.
The only real 'full frame' shot of the day...a Migrant Hawker sunning itself.
On the return journey back to the car a Northern Wheatear provided one of the last photo opportunities.
I slowly crept closer and closer before it decided to find another resting post. Won't be long before it takes off and heads southwards towards Africa.
Finally it was time to stop 'swanning around' and head home. FAB
Hi Frank... Looks like you had quite a day for yourself with a real good bird count to!!
ReplyDeleteI looked up the Wryneck on Wikipedia and found the very interesting history on the bird!!
Nice on the Hawker...its tail looks like little beads..... nature is a wonder!!
Hi Frank Great post with some smashing images and Pagham looks like a fantastic place with a good list of species. Congrats on the Wryneck not an easy bird to get photo's of,its still on my most wanted photo list, had it most autumns but not close enough to photo.
ReplyDeleteIt's a small world. I have just finished looking at Boghumper's blog with photos of a Wryneck and a pointer to a lovely bit of video of them when there you are with a photo of one. A bird I had never heard of let alone seen.
ReplyDeleteA good day you had, fancy seeing a Wryneck, I haven't. Black-tailed Godwits and Curlew, they are stunning.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is, "Wow, what a day!" Your images are absolutely gorgeous, and your list of sightings pure delight. I've never heard of a Wryneck, so I'm off to google it. Have a great weekend! (You should make a poster of that second collage w/all the birds!) ~karen
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Wetlands are ideal places to observe wildlife, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteWow! Frank. A Wryneck and a Wheatear, your just greedy.{:)
ReplyDeleteGreat day and a varied bird count! Love that first Wheatear photo - the composition is outstanding!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list for a trip and a wonderful time of year.
ReplyDeleteThe Wyrneck image should be made into a holiday greeting card, it may be far away, yet it has a really lovely quality to it. Have a great weekend~
ReplyDeleteFrank, what a terrific day for birds! and your photos tell the story.
ReplyDeleteFabulous day Frank. That Wryneck was a bonus! Glad you got a shot of it. I love Wheatears, they're always so posey and confiding! (-:
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the coastal visit Frank and will be posting some from the VA eastern shore soon. I'm away from home this week and this has been my first chance to get to a wi-fi spot to catch up on blogs. Enjoyed seeing and reading about the birds and butterflies and the swan was beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone. I'm glad you enjoyed the trip to the coast as much as I did.
ReplyDeleteThe Wryneck was an added bonus. I only ever get a chance to see this species on it's southward migration in Autumn so location and timing is everything ... lucky me!
Have a great weekend. FAB.
Cracking post Frank, and what a great selection you managed to see.
ReplyDeleteAnd a Wryneck...well done!
Cheers Keith. Would have liked some closer shots but that's the way it goes.
ReplyDelete