Knot

We started the day looking for the Temminck's Stint at Pulborough Brooks. Of course with the expectations of a small bird a great distance away, we were not to be disappointed. After visits to the West Mead and Winpenny hides, where we had observed an extremely pale Buzzard, two Peregrines, flyby Sparrowhawk and a Kingfisher, we finally connected with the Stint from the Hanger viewpoint. Absolutely no  chance of a photograph. A result all the same - life tick for Martin, year and Sussex tick for me.

The weather was perfect so we decided to make our way to Weir Wood, Bramblings reported under the feeders and every chance of some shots. It's odd how, after a just a short passage of time, the memory of a venue gets recalled. I had forgotten how difficult the light can be at this site, lots of tree cover providing shade, even though the leaves have long gone. Of course the main factor was that the Bramblings had disappeared.

So an early trek home with nothing in the camera but as we passed Shoreham we diverted to Widewater - just a chance of a Red-breasted Merganser or Goosander and the light was perfect. Neither were about but a lone Knot was feeding confidently by the causeway and as we stood there, came right under our feet until the inevitable dog walker spooked it. 

A pair of Stonechats posed well, one at either end of the "keep your dogs on a lead" sign. A few more shots of the Knot, unfortunately in the shade, and it was time for home. Back at base Liz reported a Fieldfare in the crab apple tree, hopefully it will return today and give a photo opportunity.

Last time we had a decent amount of snow we had a Fieldfare "invasion", the snow turned orange and the tree was stripped in a few hours. Liz had to make a visit to the local greengrocers for an emergency supply of apples, they didn't last long either. Not a good video but it does show how many birds were present, of course supplemented by a host of Redwings

Normally the crab apples are still on the tree at the end of winter, a few Blackbirds have a go and the Wood Pigeons eat them as a final resort. Just occasionally when we get a cold snap the birds take them - perhaps one year some Waxwings?

Goosander

Following a post on SDOS by David Milton that there were two Goosanders on the Widewater, Liz and I made a dash to see if we could get a record. The weather was quite pleasant when we left home, on arrival at WW the heavens opened and any light disappeared rapidly. We found only one Goosander which was fast asleep and staying well away. Patience was rewarded by both the bird coming nearer and the weather showing some improvement. I managed some decent shots but unfortunately all broadly the same - of a bird swimming up and down. Thanks for the post David.

Nice weather for Sawbills!

Yesterday we had another go at the Dusky Warbler - failed again - but nice to meet Dick who was also looking for the bird.  Snow Hill Marsh at West Wittering gave long distance views of the three Spoonbills taking cover from the wind. West Dean gave great views of a Hawfinch and a flyby Ringtail - should have stayed five more minutes Dick! A visit to the Nore Stream gave superb views of a Redshank, unfortunately an ordinary one - not the obliging spotted variety.

Common Scoter

With the wind speed increasing towards a predicted gale, but with just a hint of sunshine brightening things up, I decided to seize the opportunity to visit the Widewater at Shoreham. Just to record the Common Scoter that has taken up residence. When I arrived it was nowhere to be seen but another birder alerted me to its presence - cheers - I am sorry I don't know your name. The duck was somewhat distant but it was good to get some record shots. Nice to meet Phillip and Ron who were also in attendance, good to put faces to names. Finally Martin arrived and after a few records the bird disappeared, going to roost out of sight on the island. I know it is a common bird but it is not often that you can get so close.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goosander

The plan for today was a leisurely start followed by a trip to Widewater  at Shoreham to capture the reported Goosander. Imagine my surprise as I opened the bedroom curtains to check if the rain had abated, there on the fence "Stumpy" the "one-taloned" juvenile Sparrowhawk. I made a dash downstairs for the camera and Liz gently opened the window so that I could get a clear shot. God knows what any neighbours who saw the performance imagined. I noticed that I first photographed this bird on the 22nd August so the loss of talon hasn't prevented the bird from obtaining food so far - will keep an eye out for it through the winter.

 

Anyway, around midday the weather brightened as promised and I sped off to Widewater. Initially the bird was in hiding but soon emerged and performed the usual feed, preen and snooze routine that is normal behaviour for sawbills.

 Usual suspects at Widewater.

Then on down to Groyne No.4 at Ferring where the recent gales have flattened out the shingle so there are no 'shelves' for the birds to roost upon. Out in the gull roost were sprinklings of Great Black-backed Gulls, Black-headed Gulls and 50+ Ringed Plovers. Then back home for tea - birding is on the up again!
 
 
 

Red-breasted Mergansers

With just two hours of sunshine predicted for the early morning, I made a quick trip to the Old Fort at Shoreham Harbour to try to get some shots of the female Black Redstart. Unfortunately a bit of a wasted trip, apart from several Purplies on the woodwork there was very little to be seen. Surprisingly I wasn't the only birder about, perhaps like me, people needed fresh air after the previous day's activities. On the way home I called into the Widewater on the off chance of something different. In residence were 7 Red-breasted Mergansers (3M 4F) so in the reasonable  light I captured some of their antics. Yes I know I have done it before but I couldn't resist it.



 

Just watch this

Show off!!

I was going to visit the gull roost at Ferring but, by the time I made Sea Lane in Goring, the sea front was full of strollers and dog walkers, so home for breakfast. The forecast for the next few days looks extremely bleak so I am glad I got out for a while.