A visit to the deep south of the county today for the Eclipse male King Eider,didn't disappoint with us eventually finding the bird albeit at long range,with the orange patch on the bill being just about visible.We watched the bird for about three hours, as it swam about on its own not associating with its commoner cousins while we watched it.This,thankfully,is my 3rd sighting of the species,with me seeing adult drakes at the Ythan Estuary in February 1991 and Lossiemouth in December 1994,i think i would have been a little dissapointed if it was a new bird on the views we gained,but it is a cracking record for the county and not really at the expected time of year,just goes to show you never know what can turn up!This was a most welcome addition to the county list,mine now standing at a measly 308.Other birds seen during my seven hour visit included my first juv. Little Stint of the autumn at nearby Frieston Shore,juv. Shag at the Witham Mouth,3 Ruff,2 Green Sandpiper,adult Peregrine,6 Greenshank,1 Brent Goose,2 Little Tern,2 juv. Marsh Harrier and a juv. Wheatear which gave great views infront of the cut end hide.Non bird sightings included 1 each of Common and Grey Seals,5 Brown Hare,4 species of butterfly and 2 species of dragonfly.A great day out in the excellent weather,despite the long journey.
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