Oare Marshes Monday 24th May (1 Viewer)

Dear all,
The day at Oare started badly when the realisation dawned that the Red-Necked Phalerope had vanished shortly after 8:30am. Having searched the east and west lagoons pretty thoroughly I left at 2pm feeling pretty sure it wasn't hiding anywhere. No doubt fate will prove me wrong!

However, Oare wasn't without its surprises in the shape of two escaped species on the west lagoon. Two Black Swans were at the far side of the lagoon while an adult male Cape Shelduck (something I've not encountered before) was with Mute Swans closer to the footpath. I believe a Cape Shelduck has been doing the rounds in the vicinity and I've posted a photo of it here in case anyone should be as non-plussed as I was if they encounter it. It reminded me of a Ruddy Shelduck with a Gadwall's head!

Less exotic species were represented by:

2 Hobbies circling together at 11am over the west lagoon
4 Marsh Harriers
6 Little Egrets
6 Black-Tailed Godwits
2 Little Terns on the East Lagoon
2 Common Terns

The tide was low so it is possible things could all change later today - that's the uncertainty of birding isn't it?

Lancey

May be no Phalerope but a pretty good list nontheless.

odd really but I'm sure just a few years ago we'd have been saying 6 little egrets!!

Lancey said:

Dear all,
The day at Oare started badly when the realisation dawned that the Red-Necked Phalerope had vanished shortly after 8:30am. Having searched the east and west lagoons pretty thoroughly I left at 2pm feeling pretty sure it wasn't hiding anywhere. No doubt fate will prove me wrong!
Lancey

Click to expand...

Fate has indeed proved you wrong; The pager indicates it was around later in the day! Such is birding.......