March has been rather quiet so far, with not much really going on. It has, however, brought one brilliant lifer so far in the form of a very surprising Woodcock at Whiteley Pastures last week. Other than that, there's not been much worth going to see... but spring is well on its way, and hopefully some things will come. Anyways, onto today...
It's a birthday! Mum's, to be exact, and she was keen on the idea of going to Selsey Bill for a nice walk in the morning, so we found ourselves parking on Seal Road mid-morning. I wasn't really expecting anything, just a nice walk with maybe one or two things moving offshore.
As always, I found myself lagging behind the others talking with Dad, when a bird flew across our eyelines. Small, frantic flight, and an obvious white rump. "Already!?" I thought! And yes, there was already a Wheatear here. The first signs of migration are starting up. It landed on a post before disappearing off down the beach. What a start to the day! Turns out this was the first bird reported on the peninsula so far this year... very cool to have found it!
It was very brief, so we didn't get great views, but it was still very, very cool to see.
We continued walking on and made it to the normal seawatching wall, where a short scan produced a Great Northern Diver offshore. We walked a bit further ahead to get a slightly closer view. Always such a cool bird to see.
After a while watching a Cormorant diving and appreciating the scenery, the others moved on, and, surprise, surprise, I was behind again, with Dad. I briefly glanced at the gulls on some posts, and was thrilled to see a stunning breeding plumage Mediterranean Gull- honestly, such cool birds, whatever plumage they're in. It showed really well, allowing for my best photos of the species. I was really, really enjoying myself!
We moved around and got even closer views... I put my scope on it, and the detail was just incredible. Stunning bird:)
With the others pressing on, we dragged ourselves away to keep up and chat. After a while entertaining the dog at the green and watching the sea, we walked on, with another Cormorant doing its thing on a green pylon.
As we made it near the car again, a bird flashed across- a sense of deja vu hit. The Wheatear was back again. It was similarly flighty to earlier, and stopped at various points, before flying off once more, signalling the end of the trip- lovely.
Well, a lovely trip with the first Wheatear of spring for me turning up... always just so, so nice to see. Along with a great supporting cast, I'd really enjoyed this. There really isn't too much about to go and see... The Forster's Tern in Dorset is very, very tempting, but it's quite a way and quite a risk with it sometimes leaving the boating lake out to the harbour. We'll have to see what happens. On that note, good night and happy birding!
:)
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