A great surprise was in store however as a moulting Curlew Sandpiper was picked up in the channel with Dunlin. A good yeartick to get. Also present were some lovely summer plumaged Grey Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwits and Black-tailed Godwits.
Then a text from Paul James soon sent me in the direction of Pulborough Brooks RSPB for a Wryneck. Having dipped many of these i wasn't getting too excited.
A general look in the area with no sign wasn't surprising, howver a second look was rewarded with the WRYNECK feeding on the ground close to a hedge line. I walked closer and soon great views were had. Yet another good yeartick. Also out on the North Brooks were drake Garganey, 2 Egyptian Geese, but no waders.
Walking back to the car park ready to go home, i recieved a phonecall from Mick Davis to tell me he had refound the White-winged Black Tern on Westhampnett. Result!!!!
With time to spare before work i dashed back down there and soon arrived only to find the bird had flown off. Initially no sign but a quick walk across the A27 and a climb over a greasy fence to view a pit was rewarded with giood views of the superb adult WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN. It was truely stunning!!!!
Also on Westhampnett Pit were stacks of Swifts, 2 Little Gulls and a scattering of Common Terns.
Pictures to be uploaded later, working (hard) at the mo!!!
Wryneck and White-winged Black Tern
