Black-throated Diver.

A couple of weeks ago I drove southwards to Mercers Lake, part of the Holmthorpe Sand Pits complex to see if I could catch up with a juvenile Black-throated Diver that had been reported there for some time.

My initial sighting was very distant and this individual never came closer than 100 yards so all the shots posted have been cropped.

Black-throated Diver [juv] (Gavia arctica)

After two partial circuits of the lake, frequently diving for long periods, it reappeared on the south side and spent some time preening before heading away for another diving session.

A nice addition to my 2019 list. FAB.

Great White Egret.

I had noted reports of a Great White Egret frequenting Penn Pond in Richmond Park over the past couple of weeks so took the opportunity today to pay a visit. Whilst I had good views through the bins the subject was at extreme range for my lens but here are a few record (cropped) shots.

A nice addition to my Surrey life list.  FAB.

Coastal Surprise.

During a very recent camping holiday in the New Forest we made a visit to Keyhaven Marshes and spent a few hours wandering along the coastal path.

Pied Wagtail

Numerous individuals were seen feeding and flying around the muddy margins at Keyhaven harbour.

One of two Northern Wheatear seen along the shoreline feeding up before continuing their southerly migration.

Little Egrets - Fishing and flying.

Black-tailed Godwit

The inland pools produced sightings of various waders including Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit and a very brief visit by a Temminck's Stint but the most exciting sighting was of two juvenile Grey Phalarope.

[Juvenile - 1st Winter] Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicaius)

This small wader, similar in size to a Dunlin, is listed in most guides as a Red Phalarope but commonly referred to as the Grey. Distinguished from its close relative, the Red-necked, by its slightly thicker bill and pale grey scapulars.

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Saturday's Critters