It can be quite typical that you go on holiday and something good will appear and that was the case at the middle of September. As I set off northwards to visit the Shetlands, even before leaving the South East the news broke of a very confiding Grey Phalarope on Ferry Pool. I was then seen feeding along side the Pectoral Sandpiper that was also present at the time. At least to compensate Shetland was full of Yellow-browed Warblers and the odd Little Bunting.
Grey Phalarope
The bright and clear weather during October has resulted in a good visible migration of Pipits and Finches but few were hanging around. Ferry Pool continued to have good numbers of waders with a Curlew Sandpiper gracing the pool for a couple of weeks joined by Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and the resident Avocets. There were joined by the first winter waders as a few Dunlin and Snipe were taking advantage of a snack after their long journey southwards.
Dunlin (above) and Snipe (below)
With the cold chill from the east prevailing to the middle of the month the number of winter visitors started to increase with Brent Geese, Wigeon and Pintail all taking centre Stage. The Spoonbills which graced us last winter have not returned at present but a single bird did spend a couple of weeks in the harbour, roosting on Tern Island, which was reported again on the 24th Oct. This cold blast from the east also saw a number of Short-eared Owls arriving in at both Pagham and Medmerry, joining a couple of late migrating Ospreys at the end of September. The Highlight of this period was the appearance of a Great Grey Shrike at Medmerry which was still present as I write this.
Short-eared Owl (above) and Osprey (below)
Great Grey Shrike
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon