AUGUST 16 2016 A date etched in my memory bank!

This was an exciting morning when the bushes around Owl Point were full of warblers...whitethroats,garden warblers and sedge warblers....and then this bird!

 Initially I wasn't sure of its i.d  but having, after some hours, tracked down Owen Mitchell I was delighted to learn that he confirmed it as an Aquatic Warbler. Initially it was only seen from the back view and it was against the light ...but what a great rarity to have chanced upon.

 ...but then it turned and these photos were the first few I managed to obtain. 

 Just sorry no other birders were around and even after a good search it was never seen again!

So setting out this morning I was slightly disappointed by the lack of avian activity in the bushes and apart from a few willow warblers the main interest was in waders along Whites Creek.  Dunlins,Ringed Plovers and Redshanks accompanied Curlews,Whimbrel and Greenshanks and were well spread throughout the mud banks.

Curlew

Whimbrel

Redshank

 Greenshank...'stumpy' is back for the third season!

Here are a few photos from last week...

Much activity in Owl Copse

...with a lot of squabbling with Cattle and Little Egrets

A fine adult Cattle Egret.

Canada Geese flypast.

Pagham Spit is certainly taking on that 'end of summer' feeling!

Whitethroat...one of four on Pagham spit.  

Willow Warbler in bramble alongside the Lagoon

Wheatear on the old car park fence.

Finally a few non birds

Teasles

Painted Lady

Sea Lavendar

...and finally a Great Spotted Woodpecker checking reception.             

p.s

 August 12 at Church Norton.....from the bench

A distant Curlew Sandpiper in summer plumage!