Last day of 2015/grey phalarope twitch Yarmouth I.O.W

 

Yarmouth station pools: really strong gusts hindered viewing somewhat and it kept to the back of the pool. Today another grey phal had been seen with it but I saw just this one. Top bird(s).
 

Medina

Last morning with Graham and we'd decided to twitch the GREATER YELLOWLEGS (an American vagrant found back on September 23rd 2015 and seemingly hasn't left the IOW since). Whilst walking along the cycle path we soon came upon a firecrest (Graham's had 8 during his stay), always a top bird. Quite a few Redwing and finches, plus a singing song thrush (?!).

Then got to the area we were told to check for the yellowlegs and sure enough it was there, seen as it flew off across the Medina calling (interesting to hear its greenshank-like though subtly different call). However our encounter was enough to tick it off as island ticks.
Then decided to check out another area along the path and a stunning short-eared owl was up and about; a good influx of them this autumn/winter. Traversed the area and found a Jack snipe; looked great in the sunshine. Walked back and ended with 2 firecrest - not too shabby - so a really enjoyable walk with much quality.

Final stop was Ryde: scanned out west of the pier and 1 black-necked grebe was showing, a great northern diver, and though distant, 3 eiders (2m/1f) were out in the solent too.

 

Distant SE owl - Medina

 

 

Looking north

 

St Cath's A.M

Southerly winds meant a sea watch was the worth a go, with my bro who's down for the Christmas period. Not a great deal to write home about, but nice to see red throated divers, auks (mostly guillemots but razorbills too), kittiwakes, and med gulls moving by the point. Plus 3 firecrest.

Brading NR P.M

Again out with my bro. Still unseasonably mild, but the wind was strengthening with a nip to it. Highlights from laundry lane: merlin (chasing a skylark), marsh harriers (of different sexes/ages), and a peregrine.

 

A grey phalarope was found at Yarmouth station pools today - picture taken by my brother Graham.

 

And a close great northern diver at Yarmouth bridge by Stephen Plummer

Seaview area: Redshank, rock pip, shag, mistle thrush (singing). Also one kingfisher seen at Hersey NR.

 

 

Brading NR

Pintail 2m,1f

 

redwing

 

fieldfare

 

 

 

Whale chine A.M

 LBB gull (a few moving west. Also herring gulls, 40)

 yellowhammer (group of 12)