Saturday, September 6, 2008 - Grey Phalarope at Keyhaven
Weather looked seriously naff, with a low in from the Atlantic this weekend bringing floods and heavy rain. Decided to brave it and go out, and figured the chances of seeing anything smaller than a Starling were slim! So decided on checking out Waders at Keyhaven, and a seawatch from nearby Hurst "Cut Bridge". Also got there for dawn in the hope of something lurking in the reeds, but no joy on that score.
An early walk past a couple of lagoons didn't reveal too much apart from the usual waders. Knot and Whimbrel were the best I could find, plus several Grey Plovers. A Redstart was a good find in the conditions as he zipped across the lane into some trees.
The Seawatch was a similar struggle with pretty much empty sea, except for very distant Gannets. Did see two very close Ravens glide past.
Tried my best to dodge more rain, and failed. By this time my Waterproof trousers were inundated!
So back to Keyhaven.. Plenty of waders to sift through. It was a case of sheltering from the rain, then scanning the waders and moving into the next decent position before packing everything up and sheltering downwind of a bush while the next shower passed through.
I say showers.. these were horizontal bucket loads of rain that I often seem to encounter on the south Coast!
Eventually struck lucky with a Juv / 1st Winter Grey Phalarope feeding amongst Redshanks and Dunlin. Forgot about the rain avoiding tactics and got another thorough soaking while enjoying watching this pretty little wader feeding frantically in front of me. Texted it onto Birdguides, and recorded some field notes onto my mobile then attempted a digi-scope shot, but the mobile wouldn't play ball.
Eventually tore myself away from the Phalarope, a bird I have only ever seen twice before (1994 and 2000! both twitched), and got some small migrants on the way back to the car.. 2 Yellow Wagtails, a White Wagtail, and a Wheatear.
Only saw 1 other Birder, and pointed him in the direction of the Phalarope.
