Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major)

Whilst A & C were busy with a weekend of crafting, P and I decided we would take the opportunity to do some local birding - and for once in an exceptionally long time, I suggested a “filthy twitch”, for the Boat-tailed Grackle, a presumed ship-assisted vagrant, which had jumped ship when reaching Southampton Water. It had originally been observed at the start of November on Calshot Spit, then relocated after a small absence a short distance away in Holbury.

On arrival with the rain so heavy, we were not so hopeful of a sighting, and I left the camera in the back of the car. When it did show I took some “record shots” with the phone camera, but these do no justice to its blue / purple / black contrasting sheen. I retrieved the camera from the car, but having not checked the settings I took two dismally blurred abominations – before the bird promptly disappeared behind the fence. We left shortly afterwards as we were quite wet through and were both more than happy with the views of this very confiding bird that we had enjoyed..