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.