Red-necked Phal....

A visit to Barton after work today to see the reported 1st winter Red-necked Phalorope,resulted in me enjoying stunning views of this cracking little wader as it picked food from the surface of the mud around the margins of Chowder Ness.This is only the second time i have seen the species in my local area,the last being at Messingham back in June 1995.This is also the first one i have seen in this plumage,with it aquiring it's grey scapular feathering in it's moult to first winter plumage proper.At one point, i watched it a range of only ten feet as it fed without any fear of the strange human looking at it.Other birds seen in the area included a juvenile Marsh Harrier which gave great views over Ness Lake nearby and a small gathering of roosting Starlings.A great few hours.