A juvenile GREY PHALAROPE moulting into first-winter plumage was discovered on the small brackish pool just SE of the railway crossing at Newhaven Tide Mills (East Sussex) on 3rd September 2008. The bird was showing exceptionally well and was superbly photographed by Ian Barnard (see field shots above). It remained until dusk, allowing 30 or so local birders to connect.
It survived the night and into the following morning but gradually became weaker and weaker (presumably through exhaustion or perhaps lack of suitable food) and very sadly died late morning. I picked the bird up and took it home for study (see photographs above).
