Pied Flycatcher(s)

Back to birding and no better place to start than Pagham, we began the day on the North Wall and were heartened to see the Breech Pool looking much better. Lots of birds in residence, Greenshank, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Green Sandpipers, Common Snipe, Dunlin and of course the Black-tailed Godwits.  Even two Bar-headed Geese in with the Canadas. All was fine until two Buzzards flew over and then panic set in - six and two threes as some birds disappeared and others were flushed out. Fly by of a Sparrowhawk, two warring Kingfishers and two Common Terns completed the list.

Next up was Church Norton, two Pied Flycatchers had been reported the previous day but I pessimistically thought that they would have gone overnight. We met Chris Janman  who informed us that he had seen one only an hour before, so we sat on a bench in the shade of a fine tree and waited. We didn't have to wait long before the bird turned up - Sod's Law - I hadn't bothered to get the camera out - panic to get set up but the bird remained in the vicinity and I managed to capture it. During the next couple of hours we discovered there were at least two birds present and probably three, but they were mobile. Chris had noticed that one bird had more white markings than usual and he was proved right as I managed to snap a bird with an extra wing bar and a white patch - consensus is that it is just a PF - excitement over.

All in all a good start to the coming migration.



 

 

 

Definitely two present.



 

Martin and I had a go at deciphering the ring but all I got was a best guess of Z49592, which doesn't look to be complete.

 

 

 

And some from the North Wall

 

Bar-headed Goose

At least there are still fish available

Waders well represented

 

 

 

 

 

Terek Sandpiper

Just after 1100 this morning I noticed a Tweet from David Buckingham posting a sighting of a Terek Sandpiper at Church Norton, Pagham. I sent an email to Martin followed by a text but sadly no reply, I knew that he would be busy as it was Father's Day so I let it slide, birding on a Sunday is not my bag - all those crowds. Anyway, late afternoon I received a call from Martin, paternal duties now discharged, should we give it a go?

The result was that we found ourselves at Church Norton amidst the throng. First birder we met was David himself who, flushed with the success of the Terek, was now chasing the Hudsonian Whimbrel. The sandpiper had disappeared with the rising tide and a line of birders was stretched out on the spit waiting patiently.

Really nice to meet Jan and Barbara from the RSPB who were dispensing tea and biscuits, thanks very much, it was much appreciated. Also to have a meaningful discussion about the RSPB and its reserves, something I can be quite opinionated on.

Finally a keen eyed birder spotted the bird, albeit at a fair distance, thus affording only record shots. Even so, nice to have another lifer in the bag.

 

As promised Jan