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Wave after wave of storm-tossed LEACH'S PETRELS
This morning, a relatively short stretch of the South Coast has produced a 'wreck' of LEACH'S PETRELS, including 18 or more off Avon Beach at Christchurch (Dorset), at least 10 off Milford-on-Sea (Hants) and at least 6 off Weston Shore (Hants). Up to 35 are 'stranded' between Weymouth Bay, Chesil Cove and Abbotsbury Swannery and all following on from the 'wreck' earlier in the week that saw at least 14 in the Bristol Channel that reached as far east up the Severn Estuary as Slimbridge (and of course harboured Britain's second ever Black or White-bellied Storm Petrel. The Leach's Petrel photographed above was present off Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend (Essex), yesterday by Simon Knight.
This morning, a relatively short stretch of the South Coast has produced a 'wreck' of LEACH'S PETRELS, including 18 or more off Avon Beach at Christchurch (Dorset), at least 10 off Milford-on-Sea (Hants) and at least 6 off Weston Shore (Hants). Up to 35 are 'stranded' between Weymouth Bay, Chesil Cove and Abbotsbury Swannery and all following on from the 'wreck' earlier in the week that saw at least 14 in the Bristol Channel that reached as far east up the Severn Estuary as Slimbridge (and of course harboured Britain's second ever Black or White-bellied Storm Petrel. The Leach's Petrel photographed above was present off Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend (Essex), yesterday by Simon Knight.
Frustratingly with relatives staying for a few days, I was unable to get down to Milford for first thing. With them packed and on their way back to the Wirrall, I arrived at about 0930hrs to witness the Leach's Petrels lingering in the bay. Up to 8 were seen at one time with some giving superb views just off the car park. The shelter was the most packed I have ever seen with everbody enjoying the birds. There were still a few there when I left at 1115hrs and with more rain clouds moving up from the SW, I see no reason why there will not be some still this afternoon.
ReplyDelete13 Kittiwake (9,4) flew west and a Little Gull (1stW) was lingering in the bay.
Others had a Grey Phalarope east, GN Diver and an adult Little Gull.
Hampshire Birding at its' best!
Superb morning
Simon Ingram
Frustratingly with relatives staying for a few days, I was unable to get down to Milford for first thing. With them packed and on their way back to the Wirral, I arrived at about 0930hrs to witness the Leach's Petrels lingering in the bay. Up to 8 were seen at one time with some giving superb views just off the car park. The shelter was the most packed I have ever seen with everbody enjoying the birds. There were still a few there when I left at 1115hrs and with more rain clouds moving up from the SW, I see no reason why there will not be some still this afternoon.
ReplyDelete13 Kittiwake (9,4) flew west and a Little Gull (1stW) was lingering in the bay.
Others had a Grey Phalarope east, GN Diver and an adult Little Gull.
Hampshire Birding at its' best!
Superb morning
Simon Ingram
Conditions looked good for a seawatch this morning with overnight rain and wind. Arrived at the shelter at 07.40 and soon found the first Leach's Petrel, plus a Great Nothern Diver on the sea with some remnants of breeding plumage. Watched until 11.00, being joined by Colin Allen, Dave Pearson, Simon Ingram and about a dozen folks finally. The maximum count we had at one sweep (about 10.00) was eight Leach's. However, likely that there was double (or triple)this number as some swept over Hurst Spit, some into the Narrows and some moved back west. Also, nine Kittiwakes, two immature Little Gulls, a Red-throated Diver and a few Med Gulls. Good birding, (Nigel Jones)
ReplyDelete