Hamble River, Warsash

Monday 1 January 2024

A dry and bright, if somewhat cold, start to the New Year.  Mid-morning and still looking bright so Jenny and I took a morning walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back and managed to record mots of the winter residents. A special feature was the Kingfisher that Jenny spotted as it came to land on the steep bank overlooking one of the inland channels and was to remain there until we returned and continued on home.  What a great start to the year.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

With both Woodpigeon and Magpie seen in the trees approaching the river it was somewhat of a surprise just to see a handful of Black-headed Gulls on the shore before the ferry quay.  Moving on we found the first Redshank of the morning and then a small group of Wigeon in the company of the first of seven Curlews to be noted on our walk.  However, on the inland side of the path in a gully awaiting in the incoming tide the above Kingfisher had landed and was quite happy to be photographed and pointed out to passing interested walkers.

Curlew Numenius arquata

The few Dunlin noted near the Wigeon soon turned into scores as more and more explored the shoreline, soon to be recorded as well over 300 individuals.  Not just feeding on the shore but a series of mas "swirlings," a beautiful sight to behold.  Also, close to us, among a small group of Wigeon a pair of Greenshank. A lone Cormorant was then noted making its way down river.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

On the banks of the large island, yet to be covered by the incoming tide, more Dunlin and Wigeon but also a small number of Teal and a quartet of Grey Plover.  At tis pint I thought it might be a challenge to photograph every species seen during the morning apart from the Woodpigeon, Magpie and passing Cormorant.  Pleased to say that I accomplished my target save for the very late seen Little Grebe out in the middle of the river and only briefly seen as it continued to dive and feed.

Feeding Dunlin Calidris alpina

So on towards the conservation noting the first of the Brent Geese, in much smaller numbers than on recent visits.  On the muddy meadow on the inland side of the path first a single Shelduck before finding an Oystercatcher and a couple of distant Grey Plovers along with more Curlew.  At this point also a single Turnstone.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

Reaching the conservation area we found many more Wigeon and Teal along with a resting flock of Black-headed Gulls but only an immature Herring Gull.  The lone Heron seemed fast asleep at the back in the long grass.  Also present a couple of Oystercatchers and more Redshanks.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Time to make our way back and with the tide now pushing on up the shore a number of Turnstones appeared along with a Carrion Crow.  The Little Grebe seemed to suddenly appear well of shore as it was fully occupied in continuous diving and at the end of the path, before heading away from the river, a couple of adult Herring Gulls to complete the morning.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

And the Dunlin Calidris alpina take flight

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Sleeping Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Immature Herring Gull Larus argentatus with Dunlin in the background

Herring Gulls Larus argentatus

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Redshank Tringa totanus

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Teal Anas crecca with Dunlin

Teal Anas crecca

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Wigeon Anas penelope

Kingfisher Aledo atthis

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