Pennington Phalarope Parade

11 Oct - A sunny autumn day - and a visit to Pennington Marshes, where a there was an almost-unique double available for comparison - a Grey Phalarope from the arctic side-by-side with a Wilson's Phalarope from North America. Both birds were first-winters and therefore more likely to stray on their first migration in adverse weather or winds. As is typical of Phalaropes, very confiding, and showing no fear of humans, which is part of the attraction of this family. The Wilson's is larger, longer-legged and longer-billed than the dumpy Grey, both feeding actively picking insects off vegetation or the water surface. A magical experience to see them so close, and plenty of cameras in attendance.