Lewes, Pagham and Burpham (01 January 2013)

01 January 2013.  Started the year with John king at Lewes where we saw 11 of the 12 Waxwings. The colour-ringed bird was not evident but was doubtless there keeping its legs out of sight.  They flew off just after 9am and as it was the first nice day in ages we decided to make the most of it and headed for the North Wall at Pagham.  This was somewhat disappointing although a lot of Black-tailed Godwits were flying around.  We walked to the lagoon as the tide came in seeing the usual waders and wildfowl.  On the Lagoon were three Goldeneye including a superb drake while between there and the harbour mouth were at least 52 and possibly as many as 80 Mediterranean Gulls (mostly adults).  We finished at Burpham where there was no sign of any Bewick's Swans but a superb Barn Owl, distant Red Kite, ring-tail Hen Harrier and 16 Grey Partridges made up for it.   Thanks to Nicky Bond for calling us back for the harrier which appeared just as we were leaving.

one of the Lewes Waxwings

still delighting the crowds

one day I might see one with a red tail tip.  Probably not here though ...