Grey Phalarope. Chesil Cove 27th October

In my portfolio of bird sightings, I am underweight Grey Phalarope. I have seen one - very nice one too, on a marsh in Hampshire, great views etc, but that was in the previous century. And I think birds that are primarily sea birds should be seen primarily at sea, not stuck on some reservoir or marsh. So I have been looking for an opportunity for a few years, but strong SW winds and my availability at the requisite location have not coincided. Until now.

The aftermath of Storm Adolf or whatever its called had dumped Grey Phalaropes in the traditional spot of Chesil Cove. Four! no Five! no Six! the number seemed to go up everytime I checked Birdguides (other birding news sources are available). Surely even I couldn't cock this one up. 

Nevertheless I did experience some considerable panic on arriving at the site and surveying the bay in front of me. It struck me immediately that The Sea Is Very Big and Phalaropes Are Very Small. And I had literally no idea where to look. Do they like to hug right next to the coast? Or out in the swell? Together in a flock? Apart? And to top it the sea was raging in the strong wind, which was spectacular and is I guess the inevitable accompaniment of Phalarope wrecks. I eventually noticed another watcher with scope at the far end of the walkway and made my way over, and he reassuringly said there were four around a distant raft of weed. Even with those directions it was hard, but I eventually had two clear birds, as in two very small pale birds with long beaks and dark markings scattered around that flew in a wader like-fashion. What were the key features that separated them from Red-Necked at this distance? Please don't ask awkward questions. 

Apart from a distant adult Little Gull there wasn't much else, so I made my way back whereupon a photographer pointed out a Phalarope a lot closer. Smashing sightings, quite a lot of detail. Really nice to get this bird in the classic circumstances.

If I had a tip it would be that the birds look for food so they were in the vicinity of gulls that were also looking for food. Not sure if this association holds on more viewings.  

Hoping it's not another thirty years until my next sighting.