30th October 2013 Porthgwarra

HERMIT THRUSH 1 ex. BOURC/IRBC 522
Chiffchaff 1
Goldcrest 1
Raven 2



 

 



 

Hermit Thrush at Porthgwarra

Many thanks to RJF for convincing me to go and then doing all the driving



20th October 2013 Pilsey Sands

Semipalmated Plover 1 first-winter. distant c.9am-10am
Ringed Plover c.50
Sanderling c.300
Dunlin c.500
Knot 1 s/p
Snow Bunting 1

 

First-winter Semipalmated Plover (left) at Pilsey

Frustratingly distant, it always appeared very small and often slim alongside Ringed Plovers (and smaller than Dunlin) and was clearly tiny-billed by comparison. Its upperparts were perceptibly very slightly paler. At times it was therefore almost akin to watching a Kentish Plover amongst Ringed Plovers.

 

It consistently struck me as shorter-legged and the legs appeared both thin and dull. Critical detail was all but impossible to discern (by me at least) but note what appears the tell tale narrow white wedge above its gape just visible in the above images.

First-winter Semipalmated Plover at Pilsey Sands

Viewed facing away the narrow white wedge above its gape again appears just discernible but perhaps more importantly its silvery-fringed upperwing-coverts and colourful hind tibia contrasting with its dull fore-tibia appear a good match to Alan Lewis's (much better) image below. I knew nothing of the latter feature until AL posted such to Bird Forum. Despite the excessive magnification and enlargement used enough detail is still captured to hint at its very narrow yellow eye-ring. Many thanks to JFC, RJF, JWK & ADW for all openly sharing their perceptions and thoughts on this bird in the field and/or these images and of course to Barry Collins for locating it amongst the Waders at Pilsey on the previous two days.

Semipalmated Plover at Hayling Island (Alan Lewis)

Copied without permission but hopefully Alan won't mind - he's previously kindly given me directions on where to (successfully) see the Baer's Pochard he famously twitched in Japan. Rufous-headed Robin next please Alan...



14th October 2013 Burgess Hill Calm & Clear

Yellow-browed Warbler 1 ex.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Burgess Hill (JFC)

beyond all expectations for a Monday morning at work!!



12th October 2013 Beachy NE3 Overcast

Brent 12E, c.25W
Buzzard 1
Swallow c.10
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1
Song Thrush c.15
Fieldfare 1
Ring Ouzel c.390 ex.
Blackcap 2

Ring Ouzels in the Old Trapping Area

 

Ring Ouzels in Chat Vale

 

 

Ring Ouzels in the Hotel Garden

6th October 2013 Beachy Calm & Clear

Little Egret 1E
Hobby 1
Golden Plover 1
Wheatear 7
Pied Wagtail 20
Yellow Wagtail 1
Tree Pipit 1
Skylark 12
Woodlark 1N ex.
Reed Warbler 4
Whitethroat 2
Willow Warbler 1
Chiffchaff c.75
Brambling 1
Reed Bunting 2

Wheatear at Birling

Reed Warbler at Belle Tout



5th October 2013 Beachy W2 Overcast

Little Egret 1E
Cormorant 11
Sparrowhawk 2
Kestrel 1S out to sea
Swallow c.200
House Martin c.600
Pied Wagtail 15E
Whinchat 1
Ring Ouzel 2 + 4h
Skylark 5E
Blackcap 4
Chiffchaff 75
Firecrest 2
Goldfinch c.50
Linnet c.110
Siskin c.25E
Reed Bunting 2

Chiffchaff at Birling

Firecrest at Birling

Reed Bunting at Chat Vale