A report of a Grey Phalarope in Bakewell took me completely by surprise this morning. I was just returning from a walk at Chatsworth when I heard the news so diverted to Bakewell. Always a bit sceptical when I hear something so unexpected but there it was feeding happily just a few feet from the path by the island below Bakewell Bridge.
It was completely unconcerned by the many day trippers walking within a few metres of it, many stopping to take a photo and ask what it was. There were some strong winds yesterday which had displaced a Kittiwake to Carsington but I certainly hadn't expected any inland Grey Phalaropes but here it was in Bakewell.
A maritime species in winter, after breeding north of the Arctic Circle they migrate down the North Atlantic, often well off-shore to winter of South and West Africa so this bird is well off the expected route but will presumably head back out sea now the winds have eased.
 |
| Grey Phalarope |
Lovely bird I saw one quite a few years ago at Stubbing Court near Chesterfield. I took loads of shots and the next day lots of Bird Spotters were there, but it had gone.
ReplyDelete