A midweek walk to Thorney Island on the 21st turned up all the usual waders, Grey and Golden Plovers, Knot, Dunlin, Bar Tailed Godwits, but in huge numbers.
Also Red Shank and others but in contrast to East Sussex we were able to see a glimpse of wintering Whimbrel, and 5 or 6 Green Shank plus many Red Breasted Mergansers showing off their lovely crests and their long red saw bills. A mid week walk certainly leaves the crowds behind as we were the only ones walking through the MOD area of the island - other birds of interest were a Grey Wagtail, Peregrine on his island!, a Barn Owl hunting over the airfield along with several Kestrels. But the greatest thing was the shere number of birds around at the hight of the tide. Following a tip off a stop at the lake at Westhampnet just outside Chichester proved worthwhile as 2 pairs of Red Crested Pochard had just arrived and gave good views from the access road.
Also Red Shank and others but in contrast to East Sussex we were able to see a glimpse of wintering Whimbrel, and 5 or 6 Green Shank plus many Red Breasted Mergansers showing off their lovely crests and their long red saw bills. A mid week walk certainly leaves the crowds behind as we were the only ones walking through the MOD area of the island - other birds of interest were a Grey Wagtail, Peregrine on his island!, a Barn Owl hunting over the airfield along with several Kestrels. But the greatest thing was the shere number of birds around at the hight of the tide. Following a tip off a stop at the lake at Westhampnet just outside Chichester proved worthwhile as 2 pairs of Red Crested Pochard had just arrived and gave good views from the access road.
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