Hamble River, Warsash

 Tuesday 18 March

Clear, bright and sunny if somewhat cold as I took an early morning walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back at low tide.  Seen off by a Magpie and a trio of Blue Tits in the tree immediately outside the gate followed by a Woodpigeon as I made made my way down the path to the river shore.  A good selection of species around the ferry pier including Black-tailed Godwits (many in advanced summer plumage), Wigeon, Herring and Black-headed Gulls.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Moving on towards the first outlet bay more Wigeon plus Teal and the first of a half-dozen Curlew plus a couple of Redshank. A lone Shelduck nearby plus a further three on the mud flat on on Bunny Meadow.  In a gully next to the causeway inland a feeding Greenshank whilst back on the shore a score or more Dunlin until the whole flock took to the air and probably 80 individuals.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Dunlin Calidris alpina

On the exposed islands no less than four Grey Plovers still in full winter plumage and more Curlew, Teal and Wigeon.  Then the first couple of Brent Geese and by the time I had reached the conservation area then number had reached 41.  A lone Jackdaw put in an appearance.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

Continuing on up to the conservation, noting the above Brent Geese, a pair of Canada Geese flew over the meadow from one of the large houses at the back and a couple of Carrion Crows were foraging on the shore.  In the large pool next to the bridge a pair of Mallards and at the back a score of resting Wigeon.

Wigeon Anas penelope

Making my way back I found the second Greenshank and a pair of Oystercatchers on the shore feeding alongside a Herring Gull.  Finally, back near the ferry pier, a third Oystercatcher and, at last, a single Turnstone.

Herring Gulls Larus argentatus with Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Curlew Numenius arquata

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Teal Anas crecca (left) with 5 Wigeon Anas penelope

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