Winter Birding begins

The wind was blowing from due north today and the day temperature was just below 10 C with clear skies. I started the day off at the Bill with Andrew and Ian. There was quite a few interesting bits seemingly been pushed into the area with the northerlies with 7 Eider (5 fem/imm west and a pair east), a Velvet Scoter, 11 Common Scoter, 40 Wigeon west, 4 Shoveler east, an influx of 22 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Kittiwake, 5 Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 7 Shag and over 400 Auk sp mainly heading west. HERE. 

I then checked out Ferry and Mill Pond Marsh. Highlight there was 20 Avocet on Ferry- another influx.

Next it was over to East Side where I walked to Pagham Spit and back. 76 species of over 5000 individuals is the highest number this winter with a notable recent influx of Knot and Shelduck. Highlights were a female/imm Goldeneye on Pagham Lagoon, Spotted Redshank, a Red Kite circling, a Dartford Warbler and 10 Chiffchaff along the Tamarisks. HERE

Overall with the seabirds on the move at the Bill and the influx of winter birds in the harbour, a really nice winter's day birding to get things started. 

Interestingly for comparison there are still large Woodpigeon movements going on in some parts of the country including Portland  HEREwhere they are still seeing quite a bit of vis-mig. Woodpigeon movements and general vis-mig hasn't been a thing round here for a week or so now. 

It was down to 4 C last night so I didn't bother putting the moth trap out (although there were 2 Silver-Y in Ni pheromone lure so maybe I should have) and it looks like all week is going to be cold. 

Adult male and female Eider

Five more distant fem/imm Eider

Red-breasted Mergs on the move

Kittiwake in the winter sun

An immature Shag looking like a Mediterranean bird

Avocet on Ferry- the highest numbers in quite some time

Spotted Redshank with Redshank and Lapwing

Fem/imm Goldeneye on Pagham Lagoon- the first of the winter locally

Dartford Warbler

Good numbers of Chiffchaff down East Side- a good place to pick up a wintering sprite

The harbour is filling up with winter birds (above and below) 

This Clouded Yellow was a surprise in the wintery conditions