A forecast of some inland mist a warm day with a southerly breeze sounded ideal conditions for migrating birds to be seen on the coast and I arrived at Selsey Bill just before sunrise. I had just about set up my scope and was scanning around when I saw a large bird approaching from way over the houses to the East. It was just around sunrise at 6.40. I knew it was a bird of prey but what kind ?- Initially I thought it must be a Marsh Harrier but as it approached the end of the beach It was becoming a more familiar shape and flight - A Honey Buzzard. It continued directly out to sea and both Paul B and I managed to ensure Bart saw the bird through the scope. I have become so used to seeing Honey Buzzards this summer after monitoring breeding birds, that it didn't feel like a big deal but migrating birds on the coast are quite rare to see.
As the morning progressed there was quite a bit of overhead migration, mainly with hirundines, A total of 430 Swallow, 130 House Martins with another 200+ around the houses and 8 Sand Martin. 8 Yellow Wagtails, a couple of Grey Wagtails and 4 Pied Wagtails and on the sea 9 Eider went East then West.
A brief stop at the Ferry pool which held 5 Spotted Redshank, 8 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 2 Shelduck, 20 Lapwing, 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Ringed Plover.
I then moved to the North Wall and walked to the breach pool. The Egret Colony was busy with many young Cattle Egrets and Little Egrets visible, a Whinchat was near the path and there were a total of 11 Curlew Sandpipers another Spotted Redshank, 5 Snipe and a Water Rail.
A decent morning that was turning into a hot day.
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| 9 Eider East |
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| ...followed by 9 Eider West |
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| Yellow Wagtail |
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| House Martins |
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| House Martin |
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| Spotted Redshank |
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| Ringed plover and Dunlin |
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| Cattle Egret |
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| Curlew Sandpiper (front), Dunlin (back) |
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