Workmans Lane, Warsash

Friday 30 August

Gathered horses seem to attract the Yellow Wagtails

A late afternoon visit to walk down Workmans Lane to the horse fields proved most successful.  Once arriving at the donkey paddock, I soon found a lone Wheatear whilst opposite, where most of the horses seemed to have been corralled, at least 10 Yellow and five Pied Wagtails.  A further two Yellow Wagtails were found on the main field once I had moved round the corner at top left.  On the opposite side of the path the field held a further two Wheatear.  A little further to the right the large bush suddenly played host to the arrival of 8 Linnet.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flamissima

A trio of Starlings passed over me to add to the lone Magpie seen in the donkey paddock, at least six Woodpigeon and eight Carrion Crows.  All this in forty-five minutes, including the walk down and back up the lane from and to the parked car, with only a single Robin to add during the walk.

Linnits Carduelis cannabina

Birds seen:

Kestrel, Woodpigeon, Robin, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flamissima

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrelli

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New Forest Birding

Marsh Tit Parus palustris

Wednesday 28 August

Arriving at Blashford Lakes in the New Forest slightly north of Ringwood just after 9 on a warm, sunny start to the day I went straight to the path along the northern shore of Rockford Lake in the hope of finding the recent Red-crested Pochard.  But it was not to be albeit I did see a number of Tufted Duck, Coot and a Great Crested Grebe.  As I was making my way there from the parked car I also recorded Robin, Jackdaw and Blackbird and on the return short walk added both Nuthatch and Woodpigeon. Then on to the Goosander Hide over looking Ibsley Water to join three other birders/photographers and during my stay encountered a Jay flying over the water and then a score or more Gadwall plus many Coot.  A Heron was resting to the right before overflying to the edge on the left and below me a couple of Sand Martins visiting the artificial colony.  Just outside the bay a Cormorant was resting on the "perching stick" and immediately to its right a sight of the long-staying Ruddy Shelduck (more often seen from the Tern Hide).

Distant record shot of Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea

Moving round to the Tern Hide at the official car park I was immediately greeted by the scores of Coot all over the water.  Both the Cormorant and Ruddy Shelduck could still be seen in the same area and then a check to my immediate left produced a number of Tufted Duck whereas spread amongst the Coot were very many Great Crested Grebes.  To my right the small island was full of Egyptian Geese and then, on the extreme right shingle bank, a foraging Green Sandpiper. A total of 29 Mute Swans were counted and around the banks and islands at the far end numerous Egyptian Geese.  Indeed, the larger of the far islands also held a number of Cormorant and a score of Lapwing.  On the grassy bank to the far left a foraging Magpie led me to see the pair of Buzzards, presumably feeding on worms.  My next task was to scour the groups of Coot in the mid-distance to find the recently-arrived Black-necked Grebe in which I was successful.  But distance and the constant diving of the grebe prevented any chance of a reasonable photograph.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Moving over to the main reserve I started at the Woodland Hide but no feeders resulted in no birds to be seen.  All the feeders had been removed, presumably to encourage the birds to get used to finding their own food. Moving on the the Ivy South Hide I noted the Moorhen on the Silt Pond on the right but once inside very little to be seen.  The Cormorants in the nest atop a high tree to the left had still not fledges and apart from a Great Crested Grebe just  couple of juvenile Black-headed Gulls.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus with fish

Passing through the trees to access the Ivy North Hide all was quiet and the hide produced a handful of Mallard and a few more Coot. So, once again, back to the original sight overlooking Rockford Lake but still no sighting of the Red-crested Pochard.  I did, however, manage to add a Wren to the morning's sightings. Then off to Eyeworth noting the pair of Collared Doves as I departed.

Tufted Ducks Aythya fuligula

No sooner had I left the lakes to take the country route than a Stonechat crossed the road just after the ford to my left and ere long a party of feeding Linnets.  Half-way along the route a Meadow Pipit at the side of the road and then, approaching Fritham, a pair of Carrion Crows followed by a handful of Starlings.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

As I approached Eyeworth Pond a pair of Barn Swallows above and a Magpie on the grass and then, once parked facing the water, a dozen Mallards happily accepting the food offered by visitors. Here, plenty of birds feeding on the provided seeds on fence post and gate.  First up a pair of Nuthatch and the constant arrival of a Marsh Tit.  Both Blue and Great Tits along with a Robin and a handful of House Sparrows.  Eventually a small number of Chaffinches arrived plus a Blackbird.  Taking time to check the back of the water I found a pair of Mandarin Duck in eclipse plumage and a Moorhen near the reedbed to the right.  having now recoded 40 species during the morning I mad my way home with a Woodpigeon watching my departure.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata in eclipse plumage

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Mandarin Duck, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch.

Blue Tits Parus caeruleus

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

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Farlington Marshes

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Tuesday 27 August

Mixture of sun and cloud with a gentle breeze as I set off for a clockwise visit to Farlington Marshes, arriving by 9.15. Making my way anti-clockwise to the viewing area I soon encountered both Robin and Woodpigeons.  Once on the harbour wall with the tide half-out a number of Black-headed Gulls along with a handful of Oystercatchers and a pair of Curlew.  A small number of Herring Gull were then noted before arriving at the viewing area where I added the hovering Kestrel and a the first of the morning's Starlings.  On the pool in front of the viewing area a single Cormorant and a few Mallard.  Then a quartet of Shelduck put in an appearance.  A Greenshank flew over and out to the mudflats and a lone Mute Swan was seen a little further away.

Taking the path across the meadow alongside the river I note a score or more resting Lapwing along with many more Mallard.  A Great Crested Grebe was fishing mid-water.  However, the higher water level and the small bridge having collapsed I was forced to retrace my steps and fins an alternative path through the trees and bushes to my right before regaining the meadow path on the other side of the flooded area.  In doing so not only did I record a couple of Blackbirds but also a Green woodpecker that had been, presumably, feeding on ants immediately in front of me.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Once at the the brick barn the lagoon, too, was at a high level with no edges for the waders so just a large number of Coot and a handful of Moorhen.  On the water another pair of Little Grebe along with a Gadwall and more resting Mallards.  Behind the barn a Heron was resting atop the feeder and both Mallard and Moorhen were noted on the water along with another Little Egret.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis (right) with Canada Goose Branta canadensis

Moving further along I stopped to check the first few Canada Geese seen this morning and also noted the now apparent resident Barnacle Goose.  On the other side of the track amongst the the grazing cattle a pair of Cattle Egrets were noted. A half-dozen Linnets flew over and came to rest on a nearby fence and a little further on a male Reed Bunting was also seen.

Linnets Carduleis cannabina

Then followed the completion of the clockwise circuit where I recorded more Canada Geese resting/feeding in small groups and the occasional Magpie and Carrion Crow.  Even another three Herons before completing the walk. Ad once on the far seawall overlooking the mudflats towards Portsmouth eleven resting Harbour Seals.  Finally, once back at the viewing area, a Redshank and two more Curlew feeding in the gullies and mudflats to my left.

Eleven resting Harbour Seals Phoca vitulina with Portsmouth in the background

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Actually 2 Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis on show

Curlew Numenius arquata on the mudflats at low tide

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Warsash Workmans Lane and Solent Shore

Sunday 25 August 

The Scrape with  water at a higher level

A beautiful sunny start to the morning spoilt only by the cool northerly breeze.  Parking at the top of Workmans Lane I made my way down to the horse field but only managing to find a single Robin and a number of Woodpigeon.  Even the field seemed deserted with just a handful of Carrion Crows but as I made my way back to the lane first a  couple of Magpies then three different skeins of Canada Geese passing overhead giving a total of 67 individuals. 

Continuing on down the lane and on to the Solent shore first a Wren followed by a male Blackbird.  Once on the shore with the tide just about fully out, a good number of Black-headed Gulls and Oystercatchers to be seen.  A little searching also produced a Little Egret and then a number of Herring Gulls.

Avocets Recurvisrostra avosetta

Making my way towards the Scrape, with nothing to be seen on the Meandering Pools, a trio of Starling and then a couple of Linnet.   Indeed, as I made my way past the gorse enclosure I was pleased to see the feeding Roe Deer within forty metres.  

Roe Deer Capreolus capriolus

At the Scrape itself all looked deserted apart from a single Little Grebe and a Moorhen on the far side.  However, moving further on to look back at the water, I found a single later joined by three other Avocet.  nearby the "resident" lone Shelduck was also busy feeding whilst on the grassy island a Heron's head could just be seen. And as I was about to start my return journey a flock of twenty Black-tailed Godwits arrived, flew round a couple of times before settling next to the Avocets.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa with the Avocets

Walking back to Chilling Point the number of Herring Gulls feeding on the mud seemed to have increased and were now also joined by a two score Black-tailed Godwits.  Further out on a small shelf a Cormorant was drying itself in the sun.

Back up to Workmans Lane and a revisit to to the horse field.  A few more Carrion Crows now present along with a couple of Jackdaw.  As a flock of five Linnet flew over I made my way to the far end of the track to find the hunting Kestrel which, having apparently caught something on the ground, was now being mobbed by a Magpie which drove it away to the far end of the field.  The, stopping once more at the donkey enclosure, I found a very distant male Stonechat sitting on the fence. Time to return home and the last bird recorded at the top of the lane was a preening Collared Dove.

Distant record shot of the Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Wren, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet.

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RSPB Pagham Harbour and Medmerry

 Friday 23 August

RSPB Medmerry

A lovely sunny start to the day following last night's storms but still a strong wind that did, at least, fall back a little by late morning.  Off early with Richard Osman and arrived at RSPB Pagham Harbour a few minutes after 9.  Lots of food on offer at the feeding station and immediately a number of Greenfinch plus Blue, Long-tailed and Great Tits.  A charm of at least two dozen Goldfinches visited the area and also lots of Woodpigeon and a sole Collared Dove about as we moved on down to the hide overlooking the lake. 

At first the lake looked almost deserted until we noticed the well-concealed birds resting on the edge to our right. Many Black-tailed Godwit and Mallard plus a handful of Teal and Avocet.  A few Lapwing also present and at the far end both a Heron and Little Egret. Just the one herring and a few Black-headed Gulls to be seen.  The feeding station opposite the hide saw the feeders almost flapping about in the wind but it did not stop visits from both Blue and Great Tits along with a couple of House Sparrow and Chaffinch.  More Goldfinches were seen.

Walking the few yards to the river at low tide we picked up many more Mallard plus Little Egret and a couple of Redshank and a handful of Black-headed Gulls.  making our way back to the car park  Cormorant flew over the lake and a pair of carrion crows were seen departing from the trees ahead of us.

Next the three mile drive over to neighbouring RSPB Medmerry where we were once again greeted by the first of very many Woodpigeon and a couple of Barn Swallows.  Just before reaching the first view point looking down at the empty expanse of mudflats and grassy meadow, a Kestrel was seen to rise and depart before we observed a number of Black-headed Gulls and many Woodpigeon, both on the ground and in the neighbouring trees.  To the back we counted a grand total of 280 Canada Geese along with both a Little Egret and a Herring Gull. The Starling flock totalled around seventy and moving on through the gorse we came across our first Linnet of the morning followed by a small charm of Goldfinch.

Resting Heron Ardea cinerea, Canada Geese Branta canadensis and Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

A pair of Carrion Crow were seen atop the brick barn to our right and then we arrived above the large lake below us to our right.  Here another forty Canada Geese along with hundreds of Starling and many Mallard plus a Gadwall and handful of Teal.  Four Moorhen and three Coot along with both a Heron and Little Egret before noting the dozen or so Lapwing.  Away to our left on the opposite side of the track a further 21 Cormorants were resting on the bank of the now empty river.

Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo and Starlings Sturnus vulgaris

The walk to the beach itself produced nothing new and as we made our way back to the above lake more Barn Swallows were noted.  Then a pair of Oystercatcher flew in to rest and away behind the old buildings just beyond the lake a passing Marsh Harrier.  Continuing on back towards the car park a Magpie was heard below us to our left and then a second seen as we approached the first viewing point. Finally, as left the track to the the footpath into the car park a couple of Greenfinch atop a small tree and once at the car itself a Wren in the scrub and thick bushes behind us giving a total species of 33 for the morning.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus with Starlings Sturnus vulgaris

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Wren, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Distant Isle of Wight from Medmerry beach

Medmerry beach

Distant Portsmouth from Medmerry beach

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Workmans Lane, Warsash

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major

Sunday 18 August

Good weather promised for the morning so with Richard Osman back down to Workmans Lane at the Hook end of Warsash. A single Magpie in the field behind the houses then nothing until almost at the entrance to the horse fields.  Having stopped to check both sides of the road and finding a Carrion Crow in the horse fields but nothing in the field on the opposite side, I heard a quiet tapping sound behind me and turned to find  Great Spotted Woodpecker having a good feed on insects found on a telegraph pole.  (Probably need to replace that pole sooner rather than later!)

Moving along the track at the bottom of the horse filed it was immediately obvious that the herd of horses being held in a small pen at the far end had been released and were now spread over the whole field so, possibly, less chance of finding the desired Yellow Wagtails. This certainly proved to be true once we reached the donkey paddock with not a single wagtail of any sort recorded.  But lots of findings in the donkey paddock.  First a couple of Stonechats then a couple of Whitethroat feeding on the blackberries behind the donkey stable.  Then having found a least four Stonechat our first Whinchat and, at the far right-hand end, a Wheatear.  A juvenile male Blackbird came to feed along with a young Greenfinch.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

Checking the main field once again and finding no sign of a wagtail, we checked the corvids and recorded a minimum thirty Rooks along with a similar number of Jackdaw and almost as many Carrion Crows.  Even a pair of feeding Magpies.

Rook Corvus frugilegus

As we made on round the field to the stile at the far end we finally managed to find a single Pied Wagtail and also recorded a few Linnets along with another Whitethroat and a flock of at least sixty Starlings.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Taking Hook Lane then a walk through the woods to gain access to the path across the common, we first encountered Goldfinches then Greenfinches before stopping to admire the ever-calling Buzzard resting in an old tree.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Once back at the car to deposit the scope, we then took an anti-clockwise circuit along the back of the common and down to the main road before returning to the car for our home ward drive.  The Buzzard was still calling and above us we could see its circling mate.  A Chiffchaff as we passed through the woods and then, in the garden of the last house, we watched as a Buzzard (maybe the previous one seen above us) drop down on to the grass at the far side to take an interest in whatever was on the ground. In the tree above a Collared Dove took absolutely no notice.  Finally, walking back along the road, we noted a juvenile Herring Gull resting on a chimney and then an adult flew past to join another three houses along before both returned in the same direction passing the juvenile without showing any interest. Strange or interesting?

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Buzzard, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Whinchat, Stonechat, Wheatear, Blackbird, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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Warsash and Solent Shores

 Saturday 17 August

Sun still shining and tide now almost out so a second walk of the day down to and along Warsash shore to the Solent. Not too many Black-headed Gulls at first along with a few Black-tailed Godwit and the occasional Oystercatcher.  Approaching the pier at the School of Navigation far more Oystercatchers and Black-tailed Godwits along with a number of Black-headed and a handful of Herring Gulls.  On the other hand, only a couple of Carrion Crows so far.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Once at the Spit and able to observed the inner water and neighbouring mudflats, very any Black-tailed Godwits and Black-headed Gulls along with a single Little Egret and a passing Woodpigeon.

Great White Egret Egretta alba

Moving on down to the Scrape a quartet of resting Canada Geese along with 17 Avocet, a single Shelduck and Little Grebe plus forty Mallard. Scoping the water I also added a trio of Moorhen and a Coot before finding the single Common Sandpiper.  Only a handful of Black-headed Gulls but a couple of resting Common Terns.  Then, over to the far back right of the water, the appearance of a Great White Egret which stayed for a couple of minutes before departing northwards towards Warsash.

Common Sandpiper Actitus hypoleucos

Making my way to the Meandering Pools all was quiet save for a couple of Magpie on the far side and then an incoming Grey Heron. So back towards home and recording a number of Linnet on the way plus a flock of Starling.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

However, back in the small copse next to the former observation post foundations both Chiffchaff and a Common Redstart noted before then finding a Collared Dove departing from the beach as I approached Strawberry Fields. A very pleasant couple of hours.

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Great White Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Redstart, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet.

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