Friday 24th October 2014

Weather;  Sunny spells, warm, westerly wind force 2-3


An interesting day in the lighthouse area with the sea providing most of that interest.

A Grey Phalarope nearly moulted into 1st winter plumage was found roosting on the western groyne with other waders before taking to the water and drifting west on the flood tide. It was observed at close range for around 45 minutes as it drifted to Dove point, occasionally alighting on the embankment. Unfortunately it unsportingly decided to fly off east a minute before anyone with a decent lens could get to it, hence the abysmal shots.

A Black-throated Diver flew past Dove point on the tide and a smart juvenile Little Stint was found roosting on the western groyne along with a late juvenile Sandwich Tern. Another late Tern with mixed characteristics of Common and Arctic was watched opposite the lighthouse which caused a great deal of discussion. An adult Mediterranean Gull was also watched offshore.

Grey Phalarope; Taken with 50 ml lens. It was actually only 15 feet away.  EW

Juv Little Stint on western groyne.  K.D.

2 Wheatears were logged, one near the western groyne and another in the paddocks. 30 Blackbirds were also counted in coastal scrub, indicating an a small arrival. Overhead 30 Skylarks, 25 Meadow Pipits and 8 Chaffinches moved west.

  EW