Friday 17th September: Spoonbills on the Adur

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 We took an afternoon walk along the river this afternoon, in rather grey and dismal conditions, but needing our daily exercise. Pausing near the railway bridge, while Tim was counting Turnstones, I noticed five white birds with long necks approaching. As they came nearer and flew over the bridge I was able to confirm my suspicions - Spoonbills! An unusual sighting for us here on the river in Shoreham. We put the news out, although it was unclear where they were headed, and continued on our way. 

We were rather surprised about 20 minutes later when they reappeared, again flying up the river towards the sea as we headed in the opposite direction. Having seen them flying south, we were not expecting to find them approaching from the north, presumably having circled round out of sight. We again spread the word and continued on our way.

Returning to Shoreham, we heard news they were now feeding on the saltmarsh opposite Coronation Green. Dashing round, we were gutted to find the had missed them by minutes. Luckily Jerry had managed to get some photos, and although disappointing not to share these views, it was nevertheless satisfying to have spotted them and been able to alert others to finding them.

Spoonbills (Jerry Campbell)


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