Some birding, Holiday and as Tom Hanks once said "WILSON"

Tuesday 8th September I had been working near Hounslow, so on my way home I dropping into Staines Moor for a quick walk around. I parked up down Hithermoor road and followed the path around onto Staines moor, on the way in one of the horse fields were three LITTLE OWL. Out onto the moor and I walked over to the other birders and then had good views of the BARRED WARBLER. Also seen: Little egret, Kestrel, Moorhen, Black-headed gull, Feral pigeon, Woodpigeon, Ring-necked parakeet, Green woodpecker, Swallow, House martin, Meadow pipit, Wren, Robin, Cetti's warbler, Blue tit, Great tit, Magpie, Carrion crow & Starling.

TOTAL FOR YEAR = 194

Friday 18th September, and after completing my calls in Redhill Surrey, I drove down to Pagham harbour West Sussex for an afternoon of birding. I parked at the visitor centre and then crossed the road to view Ferry pool, I joined the other birders and was soon looking at the GREY PHALAROPE, which was up near the cattle, in with the cattle were a few Yellow wagtails. The Grey phalarope then few down to the left hand side corner near the road, and began feeding right below us all, also in this corner was a Common sandpiper.

Then to Church Norton and a walk around the churchyard where I saw Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff & Spotted flycatcher, also a Pheasant in the field behind the hide.

Finally out to view the harbour and beach, roosting in the harbour was a BAR-TAILED GODWIT, and there were still a few Sandwich terns around. On the beach was a single Wheatear.

TOTAL FOR YEAR = 196

Saturday 19th September Tracey and I (and our four dogs) took our caravan down to Treveague farm Gorran, for a weeks holiday around this part of Cornwall. We were very lucky with the weather, the views, local food & drink were all excellent. I made a note of the birds seen during the week: Gannet, Shag, Mute swan, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Red-legged partridge, Pheasant, Oysetercatcher, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Turnstone, Black-headed gull, Herring gull, Great black-backed gull, Feral pigeon, Woodpigeon, Swallow, House martin, Rock pipit, Pied wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Blackbird, Long-tailed tit, Blue tit, Great tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook ,Carrion crow, Raven, House sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch & Bullfinch.
Below are some of photos I took during this week.

Wednesday 30th September, and I had some calls to do on a site at Stansted airport, and when I had finished I left and drove to RSPB Vange marsh, a new site for me. The reason for going was a WILSON’S PHALAROPE. Although distant it still gave good scope views, I tried to take some record shots, this being a new bird for my life list. It is always a good buzz to see a new bird, and I resisted shouting out "Wilson" like Tom hanks as other birders were around. Also nice to three LITTLE STINT, and when they fed next to some starlings, realising how little they really are.

TOTAL FOR YEAR = 198