Keyhaven Marshes

Sunday 14 April

Twenty-four members of HOS (Hampshire Ornithological Society) under the leadership of the knowledgeable and ever enthusiastic Ian Packer gathered at Keyhaven at 9.30 for a six hour, five and half hours walk along and through the Keyhaven Marshes on the Solent shore opposite the Isle of Wight with both Hurst Castle and the Needles in view at the edge and across the water.  A dry day with cloud and hazy sunshine but still a cold, light breeze to keep us on our toes.

Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight's Needles

Whilst in the car park receiving updates and latest information from Ian we also managed to record Robin, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Jay and a first Barn Swallow of the year. Then, moving off a few yards to take a look at the Avon Water on the left from near the bridge and small hide we added a feast of water birds including both Little and Great White Egret, Heron, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Moorhen, Coot, Dunnock and, searching the back of the water also added a passing Marsh Harrier, roosting Buzzard, a cock Pheasant and overflying Magpie, Blackbird and Oystercatcher.  A most encouraging start to our walk.  Once across the road and entering the waterside path at the harbour at low tide we also added a number of resting Turnstone plus Herring Gull and Rock Doves.

Heron Ardea cinerea

The Cetti's Warbers first heard at the hide were to be a continuous accompaniment to our walk and also included brief sightings later on.  Departing the harbour to walk towards Keyhaven Lagoon we noted a small number of Brent Geese, but numbering over sixty upon our return walk, which were yet to depart to their northern breeding grounds.  A number of Linnets were active on the gorse bushes to our left and we also came across a departing Reed Bunting.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Once a the Keyhaven Lagoon we were delighted to first see a air of Gadwall and then  a resting Stock Dove at the back almost alongside similar Egyptian Goose plus a range of ducks including Mallard, Shoveler, Teal and many Canada and a Greylag Goose.  Obviously, more wader sightings of bids previously recorded, especially Little Egret, Heron, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher and Redshank.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptica

Continuing on to Fishtail Lagoon we added many Shelduck, the first Great Crested Grebe of over a score recorded during the morning, a Little Grebe, Avocet and a Little Ringed Plover.  Many Black-headed Gulls in the area but, perhaps even better, a couple of feeding Little Gulls showing well on he far side of the water. Also interesting to come across he air of Roe Deer feeding away to our right.

Little Gull Larus minutus

A single Lesser Back-backed Gull flew over and out towards the sea whilst, meanwhile on the muddy shore on the opposite side of the path, a Whimbrel along with Avocets and Redshanks.

Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta

Then, not just the Buzzard and Kestrel overhead, but the arrival of a Common Tern which stayed long enough for all to have a good sighting. Time to stop for our picnic lunch at the corner before turning right and seek a little shelter.  Also chance to watch the foraging Meadow Pipit and Dunnock as a few Black-headed Gulls came to join us in the hope of some free refreshment!

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Lunch over we moved on the check Butts Lagoon which held a couple of Cormorant, Coot and a handful of Tufted Ducks.  But in the "Tufties" a single male Scaup still present and showing well - when he wasn't submerged in feeding mode.  Reed Warblers were heard calling and, in the nearby bushes a small flock of Greenfinches and a Stonechat. As we turned inland to head up towards Pennington Lane a second Reed Bunting showed well to many.

Scaup Aythya marila

Scaup A.marila with Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula (below)

The walk up to the lane proved very rewarding as we finally managed to find the singing Whitethroat along with Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch and another Stonechat.  A Skylark was heard and seen above us and then a Cetti's Warbler finally revealed itself in the ditch below us to the left.  Across the marsh beyond we noted the first Lapwing along with many Canada Geese.  It was also in this area whilst continually checking the overflying Black-headed that we found our first Mediterranean Gull. In addition, looking across the marsh we also note the pair of resting Great Black-backed Gulls.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Walking along Pennington Lane we stopped at the sharp left-hand bend to look at the resting Lapwing and Shelduck on the marsh to our right o giving a splendid opportunity to note the sexual differences between the latter.  Also present a pair of Magpies and more Canada Geese. taking the narrow footpath towards Oxey Barn we saw a second Barn Swallow overhead and then made a brief comfort stop near the Old Salt Buildings for some to visit the nearby inn.  Whilst waiting Wren, Starling, Goldfinch and a Red Kite were recorded before moving on.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Approaching Oxey Lagoon we stopped to watch a newly-arrived Little Tern fishing in the  water ahead and then it was once more up onto the path along the sea wall.  No sooner had we started off than a Raven flew over us being mobbed by a Carrion Crow. As we made our long way back to Keyhaven with the tide now almost in we seemed to concentrate on trying to find a first Curlew for the day on the remaining small sections of mud.  Lots of Great Crested Grebe on the sea side of the path along with a few more redshank before stopping to scope the distant, isolated spits out towards the sea. First a couple of Ringed Plovers than a small flock of Dunlin flew in to rest among the Oystercatchers and occasional Turnstone.  The next group produced a Grey Plover and then, drifting the shore almost hidden by the grass,  male and two female Eiders.  Another handsome male was then seen resting a little further along the spit.  Finally, a distant roosting Curlew accompanied by a couple of Whimbrels.

Distant male Eider Somateria mollissima

Back at Avon Water for a last look before the car park and making our departures, a very close Lesser Black-backed Gull and still a good selection of waders including Greenshank, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits along along with Little Grebes and Herons.  Records updated and as we made our way out of the car park saying goodbye to to the still present House Sparrows a Collared Dove sitting atop a pole waiting to bid us farewell and bring the species total up to 73. We also noted the many Jackdaws as we pass the church in Lymington but, sadly, could not reach 75 species before arriving back in Warsash.

Courting Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Scaup, Eider Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Little Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Little Tern, Rock Dove, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Skylark, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Avocets Reurirostra avosetta

Soaring Buzzard Buteo buteo

Mute Swan Cygnus olor with Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus and gulls

Mute Swan Cygnus olor coming in to land

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.