Selsey Peninsula

My moth trapping attempt failed epically last night because the wind blew the trap over. I've got an MV up at campsite and a heath trap on the coast so hoping for some moth migrants tonight- its a warm southerly and 15 C tonight and immigrant moths have already been recorded elsewhere along the south coast today.

I birded the morning at Pagham (Ebird list HERE ) and the afternoon at Medmerry (list HERE ). Highlights included a Firecrest, Merlin and Wheatear at Pagham and Ring Ouzel and at least 8 Dartford Warblers at Medmerry. Also at Medmerry was at least 30 Stonechats along about a mile stretch including a very interesting bird showing features of Siberian/Stejneger's Stonechat. It was getting dark when I first came across it so the photos are a bit grainy to be certain - hope it's still there tomorrow.

Firecrest at Church Norton 

Ring Ouzel at Medmerry 

I had no idea this was a Dartford Warbler site, at least 8 along a short stretch 

Yellowhammer

Possible Siberian/Stejneger's Stonechat 

The unmarked chestnut rump is indicative of Stejneger's (Maurus has a peachy rump and is overall more peach toned) 

That rump again 

Even a hint of dark underwing coverts in this shot . My main doubts on this bird is that it was getting towards dusk when I first noticed it and the photos are quite grainy (although it stood out amongst the 30 odd other Stonechats). Will be getting up early tomorrow to get some better shots- fingers crossed it's still there!