Arctic Skua & Barred Warbler on year list.

Monday 10th October 2022.

Gannets were passing through over the sea on a regular basis.

Having the day off, I was wondering on where to go today and seeing that it was still overcast and blustery after this mornings early rain shower, I thought I would try Selsey Bill for a possible Skua or Shearwater and maybe later, it the Barred Warbler at Climping puts in an appearance, then a trip there afterwards would be on the cards. But first, there was a Mr Andrew Fisher to pick up.

Above, the Black Rustic moth by Andy's moth trap this morning and below, the micro moth Acleris aspersana. I have re-identified this moth judging by my field guide and although the white spots do not show up clearly in my photo, they did in other photos.

I did not bother to put the moth box on in my garden overnight, however, Andy did and though there were not many moths, there were some nice individuals on show including a Black Rustic, 2 Eudonia angustea, 2 Light Brown Apple Moth, 2 Tachystola acroxantha and a micro that I have re-identified as Acleris aspersana, which is a new micro moth for my life list. Though a little late for this species, it most certainly matched the drawing in my field guide. Sadly, to be totally sure, this moth has to be dissected to ascertain if it is this species or the closely related Acleris notona. But my money is on the former. While checking the moths over a cup of coffee, a pair of House Martins drifted over.

Above, an immature Gannet and below, one of many adults passing through. 

On our way to Selsey Bill, a male Sparrowhawk flew low over the road, with prey in its talons as we drove south down the B2145. On arrival, a Digger was being dropped off for some workman who was working on the recently renovated Retirement Home gardens. We parked safely away from the long vehicle and quickly occupied the empty bench and then spent the next few hours enjoying a busy morning offshore. However, I was regretting bringing some gloves and will most certainly look at bringing my winter gear in future, especially with the light northerly wind blowing down my neck!

The dark-phased Arctic Skua passing fairly close in heading east.

As mentioned before, it was quite busy offshore with good numbers of Gannets, both adults and immature birds, going through almost consistently. Brent Geese were going through in small numbers, probably having crossed the English Channel early this morning to reach our shores. All birds seen were heading westbound. Large numbers of Auks went through, mostly eastbound, but the vast majority were very distant birds, though we got lucky with a pair of Guillemots and a Razorbill settling down on the sea not too far from the shore. At least 5 Shags were seen flying eastbound and at least 4 Sandwich Terns flew past and at least 3 Med Gulls also heading east.

From top to bottom: adult Med Gull, Brent Geese and a Shag.

The best sighting by far here this morning was of the dark-phased Arctic Skua moving east close in and I only just managed to grab a few photos of the bird before it disappeared behind the wall in front of us. It was our first of the year and while trying to photo the Skua, a drake Eider flew east fairly close in and the only other duck seen this morning here was a drake Wigeon also flying east. There were also plenty of passerines going over which were mostly Meadow Pipits, which got a local male Kestrel interested as we even saw it soaring high over the sea. House Martins and a few Swallows were also on the move over the sea and even a Little Egret was seen flying east low over the calm sea. So plenty to look at during our two hour trip here.

The drake Eider heading east with an immature Gannet.  

Andy asked me if the Barred Warbler had been reported yet and a quick check on Birdguides revealed that it was still in its usual Hedge near the village of Climping. We first, though, got some refreshments first before making the 35 minute drive to the location and on reaching the car park at West Beach. Paying the fee, we took the long walk along the beach, enjoying views of a Kestrel along the dunes and also a female Stonechat was on show in a small bramble. A local birder joined us in making our way to the favourite hedgerow of the bird and also along the way, there must have been at least 10 Clouded Yellow butterflies seen along the way and on the way back too.

The Barred Warbler at Climping today.

We didn't rush there, just simply took it easy walking about a mile to the site, joining around 6 other birders present enjoying superb views of the Barred Warbler. It has been many years since I have seen this species; the last, I think, was on Hayling Island and seeing this bird again reminded me of how big and grey this attractive warbler is. It was faithful to a 60 feet length of hedgerow where it was mostly feeding on Blackberries and in the bright sunshine, showed very well at times and I even managed to film footage of the bird. We spent the next 20 minutes or so enjoying the bird when it came out of hiding and it was also joined by a female Blackcap while we were there. Behind us, a large number of Gull, including a lot of Med Gulls, were in the ploughed field.

From top to bottom: the Barred Warbler, the location of the Warbler and one of many Clouded Yellow butterflies on the beach. 

Having enjoyed a lengthy time with the bird, thinking of my 2hr parking ticket, we made our way back and I have to admit, I was absolutely knackered by the time I got back to the car. I think I currently have the makings of a chest infection and the coughing I was going through was damn painful. Groan! Nevertheless, a superb day birding with two more ‘year-ticks’ under my belt.     

Film footage of the Barred Warbler this afternoon at Climping.