Warsash Hamble River

Monday 4 March

After another frost night clear, bright sunshine but, again a very cold wind.  A walk up the Hamble River the conservation area and back resulted in 19 species at low tide but including a flock of 17 Red Knot accompanied by a couple of Dunlin. But more Dunlin were feeding elsewhere.

Red Knot Calidris canutus

Upon starting the walk, very quickly Black-headed Gulls, Redshank, Oystercatchers and a Curlew. Once beyond the ferry pier  the start of the Brent Geese sightings along with the main Wigeon flock.  Amongst these sightings at least eight Grey Plover and then a small group of resting Teal.  On the water a pair of Shelduck and, on this occasion, far more Herring Gulls to be seen.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Continuing on up the river to the conservation area I found more Brent Geese, Redshank, Grey Plover and Curlew. Across the other side of Bunny Meadow a lone magpie was foraging in one of the large gardens along with a dozen Woodpigeon. Then came the moment when I found the feeding Red Knot at the water's edge.

Red Knot Calidris canutus

Once at the conservation area mainly resting Black-headed along with a few more Herring Gulls plus dozen or so Wigeon, a couple of Shelduck and a handful of Teal. On the river side a trio of Black-tailed Godwits.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Making my way back I found more Grey Plovers and the first Turnstone of the morning.  A Little Grebe was resting near one of the islands and on the final shore of the river before taking the footpath home another couple of Turnstone.  A pair of Carrion Crows crossed the river and another pair as I made my way home I was greeted by a departing Blackbird.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Red Knot, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Wigeon Anas penelope with Dunlin Calidris alpina

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Redshank Tringa totanus

Redshank with Turnstone Arenaria interpres and Wigeon Anas penelope

Wigeon Anas penelope with a few Dunlin Calidris alpina

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