That's birding!

After a quick early morning walk up to the Spit hide it was the presence of a Stonechat (my first this Autumn) and a few Chiffs that made me decide that a visit to Church Norton would be worthwhile. How wrong I was....a pair of Blackcaps a mixed flock of roving Tits and that was it. At 9.15 the car park was suddenly overwhelmed by cars and bird watchers...a local group had arrived en masse. Time for me to bale out!
Returning home I decided to check the North Wall. Few birds initially but good to meet up with Dave P, Martyn, et al. A wader arrived on Breech Pool and initially caused a lot of interest . Dave clicked away furiously whilst I returned for the camera but alas by the time I returned the bird had flown! Seeing the results on his blog it was undoubtedly a Ruff!

I made 'do' with a Black Tailed Godwit....

...but as we chatted we noticed a disturbance on the far side of the harbour and eventually made out a Marsh Harrier causing a bit of chaos as it flew low over the marsh and eventually circumvented the harbour and made its way behind Honer farm. A few distant shots against the light...far from ideal...'record shots' as they say!

Marsh Harrier silhouette.

On the fence line between Breech Pool And Honer five Wheatears and 2 Whinchats.

Returning home and later checking to see if the Stonechat was still present I also found a Whinchat just south of the Little Lagoon I also caught up with Alan K. who had had considerably more luck or skill perhaps(!)...see his entry on SOS site!