Whats app alert at 8.46 '13 Curlew Sandpipers close in by sluice north wall'
'now 13'......'14'
Time to get down there....................here are a few of my shots!
....and they're away
What a treat.....superb birds!
Pagham Birder: The Blog
A regular account of the birds seen mainly on and around Pagham Spit, the Lagoon and the North Wall plus other birding exploits from time to time.Whats app alert at 8.46 '13 Curlew Sandpipers close in by sluice north wall'
'now 13'......'14'
Time to get down there....................here are a few of my shots!
....and they're away
What a treat.....superb birds!
In past years we normally have an Autumn week in North Cornwall but this year, due to a number of circumstances, it was agreed to have a 10 day holiday in June.
This proved to be a beach holiday in Porthcothan, a small bay west of Padstow . The weather was amazing with almost unbroken sunshine; very different to the type of weather we usually experience in October!
Birding was not in the plan so it was a matter of enjoying the sand,sea and sunshine and a good dose of Cornish Pasties and Cream teas!
On one evening we headed to Constantine Bay a little further east from Porthcothan and to my surprise there was a flock of about 80 waders feeding along the rocky tideline viewed from a well used high level pathway. Of course, no camera not even binoculars! I could make out Dunlin but there were other species with them.
Next evening armed with suitable equipment we returned and fortunately the birds were there too.
Unfortunately a dog was there also but with patience I was able to make my way to the rocks and the dog eventually disappeared and I was able to get a few shots of this very confiding flock consisting mainly of Dunlin and Sanderlings. both species in varying summer/winter plumage.
A quick look at Pagham Spit this evening produced a Ringed Plover on a nest in a very vulnerable position from the point of human visitors. Initially it was calling and as I watched from behind an old breakwater it made its way cautiously forward and settled down, keeping a very close eye on me.
What a privilege!
Although a cool East breeze dominated the weather, it was generally pleasant. The Nightingales and Garden Warblers were in good voice and over 80 species were seen in total. The Stone Curlews were very distant and although flyover Cranes were heard I was in the woods at Minsmere at the time so missed actually seeing them!
Most of the regular species were noted and some good views of Bitterns were obtained and on one occasion I happened to be at the right place at the right time, when a Black Winged Stilt was present at Minsmere.
So, a very random mix of photos as reminders of a pleasant couple of weeks.......
On the way home we stopped off at Pulborough Brooks RSPB and were pleased to note two pairs of Avocets on separate islands on West Meads ...one with rings.
...and lastly this Dunnock enjoying the sun at Fattengates courtyard.
Just a few reminders to put in the memory bank.
Made a good break from the usual domesticities!