Kumlien's Gull

Many thanks to Bola for the post about the Kumlien's Gull in the river at Littlehampton. This morning found us stood on the beach at the mouth of the River Arun searching for the bird. With the sun shining it wasn't too bad although a slight breeze was sufficient to keep the ears cool. There were surprisingly few gulls about and as the tide was making we were entertained by the presence of a Kingfisher, several Turnstones and a small band of hyperactive Sanderlings. A couple of other birders were in attendance, and whilst they went in search of the gull I managed to capture a few shots of the Sanderlings foraging in the tideline. Suddenly we were alerted to a suspicious gull's presence by a kind birder, it had been found up river near the IRB station, so without further ado we walked briskly along the riverside. What followed then was the usual ritual - "Is it?" - "No it's a Herring Gull" - "It might be" - "Not sure". Anyway the upshot was that when we left, I convinced myself that I was unconvinced - if you know what I mean. At home processing the photographs I feel pretty sure that we got the right bird.

Next venue was Farlington Marsh. Spoonbills had been reported but we really wanted to find some Bearded Tits. As we reached the viewpoint on the west side several "year ticks" were accumulated in the shape of Avocets (50+ birds), Pintails and Common Snipe, alas no sign of Beardies. Whilst we were sat scanning the marsh, two birders arrived and informed us that two Spoonbills were out on the lake and that some birders were photographing a Snow Goose.  A nod is as good as a wink and we were away.

The Spoonbills were a cinch, sticking out like the proverbial thumb, in the usual sleeping pose and not looking as if they were going anywhere.

 

  Next on the agenda was the single "Snow Goose" mingling with a small flock of Canada Geese. As soon as I got the bird in the viewfinder I doubted that it could be a SG, I had photographed the mini flock at Scotney and Dungeness three years ago and at least knew how they should look, The bird in front of me could only be described as a "Sumo Snow Goose"  or a bird on steroids. I have no idea of its lineage but I imagine its DNA would make interesting reading. Anyway, I think it should be called "Heinz", at least 57 varieties in there somewhere.

The Scotney Group

Now as I have said before Martin has a canny knack of picking a venue. So, at his suggestion, we visited Baffin's Pond, usually the home of some obliging Water Rails, sadly not today. However it did give me the opportunity to capture the numerous Shovelers that are in residence. If you want to get close to these birds then this is the place.

Kumlien's Gull

A decision to revisit the Kumlien's Gull looked to be a poor one as we arrived at the East Beach Littlehampton. The rain was bucketing down and where there had been hundreds of gulls feeding on the beach yesterday, just a handful were present as the tide ebbed. However things brightened up, first a fly by of the adult Glaucous Gull, albeit just a fleeting glance but at least encouraging. Frantic signalling from the birders on the other side of the river had us jumping in the car and heading for the West Beach car park - you have guessed it - when we arrived the bird had done a bunk. Owen Mitchell promised me that if we remained at the river mouth the gull would show up. Sure enough about half an hour later the bird was spotted by sharp eyed Paul and the keen birding photographers had a field day. Finally the bird disappeared further down the river mouth and having expended lots of pixels we retired. Nice to meet Paul and Trevor, who has managed to cling on to the beach at Pagham despite all the recent violent storms.

 

A band of notable birders on the wrong side of the river but I bet they got good views later on.

 

 We then decided to visit Beeding Brooks to locate an owl or two. Dropped in to Houghton bridge but no Bewick's were about, just two Mute Swans. The trek from King's Barn Lane to White Bridge was a bit hairy as the mud is horrendous. It was all worth it as just after 1630 we were rewarded with two Barn Owls and a single Short-eared Owl, two much appreciated year ticks.

Sunday Twitch

It's a bit of a rarity for me - birding on a Sunday. However, an invitation to twitch the Kumlien's Gull on Littlehampton beach couldn't be turned down. Actually the bird was finally seen on the golf course and at a fair distance. A bit like searching for the proverbial needle but with the help of other birders I managed to get on it, after the distraction of an adult Glaucous Gull putting in an appearance.

It's in there somewhere

Adult Glaucous

Heads up!

Approaching golfer flushes the bird

After a half an hour of scanning every gull on the west beach we opted for home and a cup of tea. Of course about half an hour after we left the bird relocated to the east beach and was easily seen.