Return to South Gare

On Monday 26th October I paid a visit to South Gare - my first in quite a while. I had hoped for a Pallas's warbler but there was no sign. I sat on a bench and watched a pair of stonechats. They kept me interested for at least half an hour in the damp, dull but [at least] dry conditions.

Stonechat

Stonechat

Stonechat The female was less showy and much more hyperactive, rarely still enough to get a focus lock. She liked to flit about in the scrub. Here are some flitting about shots!

Stonechat Stonechat Stonechat Stonechat

I went off in search of a black redstart which I saw briefly before it disappeared forever into the [all locked up] boatyard. Someone said there were some brambling by the harbour wall. I found a pair, clearly inseparable: if one flew so did the other. Here they both are. Brambling Brambling Brambling

Brambling Brambling Brambling Brambling Brambling

I walked back along the estuary side of the gare and spotted a drake eider rather close to the shore. I approached cautiously and sat down on some old concrete structure that was slowly heading to a watery grave. But it would be fine for the time being! 

The duck waited for me.

Eider Eider Eider Eider Not sure why but flying boats and mute swans come to mind...

Eider Eider Eider