Elegant Tern

So we hatched a plan to go Friday; but no news till late at Hayling Island - too late for us. Us being me and Monkey.

We decided on Friday to go today.......the afternoon would be best. Not because of any birding intellect. We were both busy because we have lives. We would go on News as well.

So today arrives.......what the heck lets go regardless because we thought we have lives but clearly we dont. On route by 1pm and News south of the river....... the birds at Pagham Harbour; Church Norton.

I've been there once before it was double MEGA tick day. Hudsionian Whimbrel (although this will be short lived) and Greater Yellow Legs, Titchfield. Was this a good omen??

Sat Nat reprogrammed.....more news came in. Bird flew southwest strongly. Decision time.......

Hayling Island? West Wittering just opposite East Point Hayling Island....clever huh? or stick it out at Church Norton.

Church Norton it was. About 60 odd birders still there, chilling, relaxing, up to no good.......Where have i heard that before?.....any way.......



Well after 20 minutes of scanning the terns, Sandwich, Little & Common. Dismissing a million Med Gulls, ignoring numerous Cormorants and everything else somebody shouts, its here on the spit. Not two minutes before had me and Monkey done a line up, Sandwich, Little, Little, Sandwich, Sandwich, Little, Common, Common, Little. and now the Elegant had dropped in mid line.

3rd bird from the left and TICK TICK BOOM! It settled, pruned up and sat for a good 5 minutes before flying over to the tern island where it dipped in an out of the harbor water, all good scope views. It returned to the spit and we had it in view continuously for 15/20 minutes before we left. Bird still there.









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