Port and Wey: 3 Sep 25

Chesil Cove

Two days ago there was a report of 2 Grey Phalaropes in the cove, followed by another yesterday and another one this morning.

As I was having a blood test in the surgery close by, it would have been a bit silly not to have a look, and so late morning I parked up by the cove and had a look.

To say that the sea was a bit rough would have been an understatement, as the waves were rolling in and crashing onto the beach.

Speaking to several birders close to Quiddles Cafe here, it became apparent that I had yet again missed out. Not only that, whilst I was having my bloods taken, there were sightings of a Storm Petrel and a couple of Common Sandpipers here as well.

However it wasn't all doom and gloom, as another duo of Common Sandpipers flew west along the beach. Every now and then they would land, before moving off sharply when a wave threatened to swamp them. After several attempts to land they gave up and continued there journey west.

As I attempted to photograph them by following them along the esplanade, I gave up when they finally flew off, but not before I came across two Sanderlings settled on the shingle opposite Quiddles. Can you believe these are the first Sanderlings I have recorded this year!!

Also noted were several Black-headed Gulls and Herring Gulls, plus a Pied Wagtail. The latter thought about landing on the beach and on seeing all that spray flew back inland.

Right in the corner of the cove a Grey Seal seemed quite happy with the waves breaking over its head.

Mammals Recorded:
1 Grey Seal