Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Hamble River, Warsash

Tuesday 10 December

Back from our fortnight's cruise to Madiera and the Canaries and a first opportunity to get outside now that the storms have died down.  A mid-morning walk up the Hamble River approaching low tide in a very gentle breeze but very cold so, fortunately, I had put on many layers - albeit no gloves!

Wigeon Anas penelope

Leaving the house a fond farewell from a feeding Dunnock in the garden and once at the riverside a couple of Black-headed Gulls and a Curlew.  Very few birds to add as I made my way up to the conservation area other than the first flock of 45 Wigeon and a passing flight of approximately thirty Dunlin.  In between a handful of Herring Gulls and a few more Curlew along with a handful of Redshank.  Two feeding Brent Geese on the shore line as a further eighteen made their way upriver.

Curlew Numenius arquata

A single foraging Black-tailed Godwit drew my attention before it was joined by the first of four Carrion Crows seen during the walk.  Only two Grey Plover but eleven resting Shelduck on the muddy meadow.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Once at the conservation area I noted the single Little Grebe fishing in the river and near the ruined boat a further flock of 55 resting Wigeon plus a bout forty Teal.  As I made my way back the Little Grebe had moved on but a single Oystercatcher was walking the water's edge.  About to cross one of the footbridges when a Rock Pipit landed for  a few seconds on the hand rail before moving on.  Finally, away at the water's edge a lone Great Black-backed Gull and a single Cormorant flew up river low above the water.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Dunnock, Rock Pipit, Carrion Crow.

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