New Forest Birding

Jay Garulus glandarius

 Saturday 15 June

Back yesterday from a two-week cruise with friends Derek and Barbara Etherton to Iceland calling in at three Norwegian ports plus the Shetlands on the way and now off to show them the delights of birding in the New Forest.  However, with showers ranging from short and lighter to longer and heavier I had to somewhat cut the planned days birding to the New Forest.  So, first to Fishlake Meadows, where we were certainly caught in a heavy shower whilst walking the section of the canal path without any sheltering trees, then a stop at Eyeworth Pond before finally spending some time at Blashford Lakes. the planned trip to Normand lagoon was abandoned!

Arriving at Fishlake Meadows, Romsey at 8.30 we were not only greeted by some sunshine following the light rain on the drive over from Warsash but a range of birds including Dunnock, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Great Tit and Woodpigeon whilst we were sorting equipment, etc.  Then, just as we set off, a Sparrowhawk "drifted" past above us and soon we had encountered our first Magpie of the morning.  The early walk long the canal path soon provided Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Wren and Garden Warbler before stopping to check the skies which revealed a number of Swifts.  Even a House Sparrow was seen at the path's edge plus, of course, the very many singing Cetti's Warblers.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Starlings, Carrion Crows and distant Greylag Geese were noted along with a distant Coot and and a few Tufted Ducks on the water.  High above on the far side of the reserve a couple of circling Red Kite and, a little nearer, a number of House Martins. This section of the canal path also produced Whitethroat and then the distant, but very clear, calling Cuckoo. Looking towards the water we soon found both Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls along with a feeding Common Tern.

At least three Mute Swans were recorded and then the bird of the visit as an Osprey avoided the mobbing gulls and drifted over us before heading upstream. Once nearer the main reed beds both Sedge and Reed Warblers were confirmed and then the appearance of a Buzzard. Our return walk between the showers produced more of the same along with a passing Heron, Blue Tit and even a Nuthatch.  Finally, as we departed, a very quick stop on the main rad to check the main water from the viewpoint confirmed a number of Cormorant and Great Crested Grebe. A final total of 38 species.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

So on to Fritham and Eyeworth Pond where the first sightings were Magpie and House Sparrow. Lots of small bird feeding on the recently provided food on both the gate and neighbouring pots so a host of Chaffinches along with a pair of Nuthatch competing with Marsh, Coal, Blue and Great Tits. Robin, Dunnock and a Pied Wagtail also took advantage of the provided food along with the nearby Moorhen and a number of Mallards.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrelli

Meanwhile, a Buzzard was seen overhead plus a handful of Barn Swallows and then, almost as we were leaving, the arrival of a Great Spotted Woodpecker.  Finally, as we drove up the hill towards Fritham we were also able to confirm Woodpigeon, Starling and a Red Kite.

Then followed a delightful journey over to Blashford Lakes via Fordingbridge and, at least, the rain showers came whilst we were sheltering in the four hides. Whilst parking the car we had the privilege of watching a high Goshawk drift across us and away to the north whist a Pied Wagtail was wandering around the roof of Tern Hide. Then, from the hide, we noted the many Black-headed and Herring along with a smaller number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls plus feeding Common Terns.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

An Oystercatcher and Lapwing were seen to our left along with a few Egyptian Geese and Mallard family.  Further away almost a score of Mute Swans around the edges plus a small number of both Greylag and Canada Geese.  Not many Great Crested Grebes and fewer Coots than expected.  However, we were all delighted to find the distant Great White Egret.  A Moorhen passed in front of us and over the water numerous feeding Sand Martins.

Very distant Great White Egret Egretta alba

Moving across the road to the main reserve we very soon encountered Woodpigeon, Robin, Wren and Chiffchaff before making our way to the Ivy North Hide.  From this vantage point we added Reed Warbler, Swift, Barn Swallow and House Martin before continuing on the the Woodland Hide, noting a Song Thrush on the way.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Once inside the hide at least a quartet of Dunnock plus many Blue and Great Tits.  Chaffinches were well represented along with a few Goldfinch and Greenfinch plus a singe juvenile Siskin. First one, then two more, Jays arrived to feed on the feeders along with a Stock Dove.  Not so much the Collared Dove but the arrival of two Great Spotted Woodpeckers added to the sightings and then time to pay a visit to the Ivy South Hide.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major

This water was very quiet with just a Great Crested Grebe, a number of Black-headed Gulls and a few Common Terns.  However, there were Swifts and House Sparrows above and a passing Heron. But making our way back to the car park we did have the pleasure of seeing a Kingfisher at the small pond on our left.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

To complete the day's birding as we had decided to abandon the Solent shore and return on the morrow when better weather was forecast, we were able to add a large number of Jackdaws plus both House Sparrows and Starlings.

Mute Swans Cygnus olor with 7 cygnets

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Great White Egret, Heron, Osprey, Red Kite, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Swift, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Blackbird Turdus merula and chick

Rather wet Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis, Robin and Blue Tit to left

Juvenile Great Tit Parus major

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

Jay Garulus glandarius

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