Tuesday 13 September 2011

Grey Phalarope - Fairhaven Lake, Lancashire - 13th September 2011

After a rather uneventful seawatching session at Starr Gate on the falling tide today, I called in on the way back at Fairhaven Lake to see my 2nd Grey Phalarope in 2 days. I was hoping it was showing well like storm blown 'sea' birds from the past. It did not disappoint! The bird was showing very very well in the eastern corner of the lake feeding on the debris that had been blown into the corner by the ever present westerly wind.
Similarly to the Red-necked Phalarope present on the lake on the 17h September 2010, the phalarope was very tame and allowed me to get very close to it to observe its delightful feeding habits and lovely plumage. I would suggest it was moulting from juvenile to 1st winter, but I'm no expert...






Norwegian ringed Black-headed Gull - White J0N8
Ringed in Frognerparken, sørlige utløp, Oslo, Akershus & Oslo, Norway 08/04/2011
Resighted - Fairhaven Lake, Lancashire (1078km from ringing site, 158 days later)
The seawatch itself produced very little compared to what other lucky lancashire birders saw, but Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Arctic Skua and several very close in Gannet were the highlights

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