Grey
PhalaropeGrey
Phalarope13
November 2004
A
Grey
Phalarope, Phalaropus
fulicarius, was settled and appeared
to be feeding on microscopic organisms near the surface of the water every
second. It swam around on the surface near the southern sluice gates of
Brooklands
Boating Lake, occasionally (once every five minutes) making a short
flight lasting about five seconds to another part of the lake all within
easy view of the handful of birdwatchers.
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It
was a quite active and although it seemed unwary and unperturbed in the
vicinity of people, it was constantly on the move and it was not straightforward
to get a clear photograph in the poor light on an overcast day. After about
fifteen minutes it stopped feeding and began to preen.
Better
Images on Birds of Sussex
12
November 2004
Another
Grey
Phalarope was seen and photographed at
the western end of Widewater Lagoon, Lancing
until early afternoon when it flew off.
Later
two birds were seen and photographed together on Brooklands.
7
- 15 November 2004
A
Grey
Phalarope, Phalaropus
fulicarius, visited Brooklands
Boating Lake, east Worthing (on the Lancing border) and this wading
bird was showing very well. It was in its white and grey winter plumage.
It was a first winter bird.
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The
Grey
Phalarope winters at sea over the eastern
coastal North Atlantic Ocean.
The
Sussex
Ornithological Society classifies
this bird as a very scarce or rare autumn or winter visitor. It is usually
found on the coast after a series of gales.
Sussex
Ornithological Society Records
Adur
Weather 2005
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