TheFinancialBirder

Today was one of those ‘red letter’ days where some very interesting birds turned up on the south coast and finished off with a ‘Lifer’. Though I was busy doing jobs in the house all morning, I found out that the American Golden Plover had reappeared on the Lake at Farlington Marshes. The bird was seen around a week ago on Farlington Marshes, spending the morning on the Deeps. So, after shopping in B&Q, I told everyone I was taking Scruff for a walk and quickly made my way to the Marshes.

It was a warm, sunny day with a light breeze blowing off Langstone Harbour. The tide was up and therefore the potential of more waders on the Lake looked promising. After getting Scruffs lead on we made our way to the Lake. There, I caught up with Geoff Farwell who pointed the out the adult American Golden Plover, stood at the back of the Lake in front of the reedbeds. The bird was an adult but viewing was a little difficult at times because of the heat haze but nevertheless, a good looking individual. This was the 2nd of this species I have seen and all in Hampshire too, the last being at Pennington Marshes some years ago.
The bird remained faithful to a small stretch of mud in front of the reedbeds and though spending most of the time preening behind a mound of earth amongst Black-headed Gulls. It occasionally popped out and walked around a bit so one could get a good look at those long legs. Also on the Lake, good numbers of Reed Warbler were flying around the reedbeds and showing well and a single adult Mediterranean Gull lazily flapped by and headed out towards the harbour.

A mixed flock of Dunlin and Ringed Plover flew onto the muddy area of the Lake and remained there during my hour stay. I had an interesting chat with Geoff regarding recent sightings and I told him that a 1st summer male Woodchat Shrike was by Siddlesham Ferry Pool. One lucky birder stood next to us said he saw it this morning but he wasn’t aware that a Kentish Plover had been found in the afternoon within Pagham Harbour also. I asked Geoff if he wanted to come with Andy Fisher and myself to Oxfordshire to try and see the Scops Owl, but he declined. Big mistake. So, I said my goodbyes, and then headed back to the car. A Common Whitethroat flew over the footpath and flew into a bramble near the entrance.

I picked up Andy Fisher around 6.30pm to make our way for another try for the Scops Owl. Becky had to get up for work early tomorrow so I had asked Andy in the afternoon to see if he fancied it. We arrived at our location around 8pm and made our way to the field to the roosting spot.
It was a balmy evening though got a lot colder as the night wore on. Andy wasn’t quite prepared clothes wise as he only had a thin jacket on while I had my Belstaff. The bird had apparently started singing briefly around 7.30pm then started singing again at 8.30pm. Though it continuously sang for some time, there was no way anyone was going to see it as it was singing deep within the orchard. I then came up with the idea of waiting by he entrance gate by the railway line incase the bird flew out and flew off over the railway line, like previous sightings. It had paid off, as the Scops Owl stopped singing and then I caught sight of a small Owl flying out of the Orchard and then flying low over the railway line. I had my first view of the Scops Owl. Absolute jubilation! Andy missed it and so we had to wait if the bird would begin to call again. Around 20 minutes later, the bird was heard again but this time very distantly. The Birders present now grew to around 40 people and they all swarmed over the area where Andy and me stood. I explained that I saw the Owl fly out of the Orchard and we all waited patiently for the return of the bird. A huge false alarm took place when a Little Owl flew onto a post and perched there for around five minutes. A huge gasp of disappointment all around but for me, it was another good year tick. The bird soon took flight and headed off over the Orchard. Several Bats were now on the wing as they flew low overhead.
We waited for around a few minutes more then headed back into the village square by bridge. Shortly after watching the silhouette of a Grey Heron fly over, calling loudly, at around 10pm, the Scops Owl started singing again in the tall ornamental tree. Though I took my torch and another person took a real huge giant torch, which lit up the tree, the bird was too deep within the tree for a sighting, so we had to hope it would fly into the poplar tree behind us and sure enough, it truly obliged.
The bird flew over our heads, with some birders getting a quick view, then perched high up within the tree. The torches were out and within seconds we were all watching our long awaited quest. The Scops Owl perched high up and looked to perch horizontally as it called repeatedly. Its small size and squat looking shape was noticeable including its greyish plumage. Its yellow eyes were also seen well as it stared down at us occasionally. I suppose I was trying to get to see of much of the bird as possible and also hoping that Andy was watching it also as it soon flew off after around four minutes. But the bird was now and truly on my Life List and therefore, Andy and I went off to celebrate with a pint in the local pub. I am now officially on 403 species seen in Britain.

We nearly dipped out on our celebration as the landlord had already called last orders but he saw sense and let us have a quick round of drinks and crisps. There, we talked about the bird and with some local musicians playing some ‘Blues’ music in the background, that was one enjoyable pint. As we made our way back to the car, the Scops Owl could still be heard calling away in the distance. What better way to end the day?

Piczo