The passage period is just about over and the winter visitors are starting to arrive in much large numbers as the weather feels more like winter. Dark Bellied Brent Geese now number in the hundreds as do Lapwing and Wigeon. However the odd surprise continues to keep the avid birder on there feet, this week was the appearance of a Little Stint on Ferry Pool, joining the wide range of waders still using the pool.
Dark Bellied Brent Geese (above) and Little Stint (below)
The warm southern air, prompted a influx of Black Redstart with over 10 individuals at Pagham and Medmerry at the end of October, there was also a small influx of Goldcrest with many of the bushes around the Reserve ringing to the their contact calls.
Black Redstart (above) and Goldcrest (below)
As the regular winter visitor started to arrive this last few weeks they were joined by some more unusal ones. A Slavonian Grebe, al though not unusual on the sea made and extended appearance on Pagham Lagoon, whilst at the first Severals a Dartford Warbler was playing hide and seek with the local birds. Unlike a very confiding Snow Bunting which appeared at Selsey Bill, which allow many of a visitors a short diversion from the Harbour
Snow Bunting (above) and Slavonian Grebe (below)
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon