Ruddy Shelducks and a Kingfisher

Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis

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On Thursday I met Mark at Pagham Harbour where we were hoping to see the Ruddy Shelducks that have been reported recently. We checked out the Ferry Pool from the hide and noted Wigeon, Curlew, Canada Geese, Shelduck and a distant flock of Avocets. I would not have noticed them with my low powered Papilio binoculars, but my eagle eyed companion assured me they were there so I took some photos and just made out their head markings. We started walking back to the car park when Mark spotted a pair of ducks coming in to land and proclaimed them as Ruddy Shelducks – result! I took photos from the roadside, but they were still too far away even with a 420mm. Two happy hunters then called in at Ivy Lake where we saw Great Crested Grebes, including juveniles.

Then to Arundel Wetland Trust where paths have been closed off due to flooding. My target was the Kingfisher at the boating area and I was pleased with its lively performance. The Sand Martin hide provided views of a Black Swan and a Barnacle Goose which grazed with the Canada Geese on an island which has subsequently disappeared under water. The Black Swan had a tuft of fluffy white material stuck to its beak.

muddy waters from the River Arun on Dec 31

Avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta

Canada Geese, Branta canadensis

Curlew, Numenius arquata

Ruddy Shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea

Ruddy Shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea

Wigeon, Anas penelope

Great Crested Grebe, Podiceps cristatus

Great Crested Grebe, Podiceps cristatus

juvenile Great Crested Grebe, Podiceps cristatus

Barnacle Goose, Branta leucopsis

Barnacle Goose, Branta leucopsis

Black Swan, Cygnus atratus

Black Swan, Cygnus atratus

Black Swan, Cygnus atratus

female Tufted Duck, Aythya fuligula

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula

Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis

Kingfisher with fish

Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos