New Forest Birding

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Friday 14 March

Bright but cold as I headed off to Blashford Lakes arriving at 9.30 to check out Ibsley Water from the Tern Hide.  Lots of ducks on the water but mainly from the centre to back but a good number of Black-headed Gulls nearer to the hide.  The almost flooded island to the front held a few nearby Wigeon and Tufted Ducks with a good number of Shoveler and Teal off to the right.  Checking the water from centre to back I noted many Wigeon and Shoveler but also more Tufted Ducks and a good number of Pintail.  Just the four Mute Swans noted but Coot.  A Great Crested Grebe drifted across the back and then I found the fist of four Goldeneye, all bar one being handsome males.  Finally, a small group of Gadwall.

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Before moving across to the main reserve I also noted a single Canada Goose on the bank to my right, a lone Oystercatcher on the island a pair of Mallards in the bay to the left of the hide.  A couple of Egyptian Geese flew across the water from right to left and, way in the distance, the handful of resting Cormorants.

All seemed very quiet in reserve with the Visitors Centre and its toilet facilities still locked and no feeders at any of the feeding stations.  Therefore, very little close activity but Robin, Blackbird and Great Tit were noted.  A couple of Woodpigeons made their way over the trees and there was no shortage of singing Chiffchaffs, Robins and Great Tits.  Basically nothing to see at the Woodland Hide and the Ivy South Hide produced mainly Tufted Duck, Wigeon and Herring Gulls along with more Cormorants and a Magpie.  Again, nothing new at the Ivy North Hide other than a single Moorhen, albeit I did pass a Song Thrush as I walked through the trees.  Moving on a couple of Carrion Crows approaching Ibsley hamlet along with a couple of Jackdaw to add to the Rooks noticed as I was approaching the lakes.

Coal Tit Parus ater

A fifteen minute stop at Cadnam Pond proved very rewarding with both the long-staying Muscovy Duck and a male Mandarin Duck.  Also on the water around the island a handful of Mallard and eight Canada Geese.  The nearby trees held plenty of Chaffinches and a few Robin and checking the trees at the other side if the car park no shortage of many Blue Tits accompanied by Great, Coal and Marsh Tits taking advantage of the offered food.

Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata

Time to also check very close nearby Janesmoor Pond where I found Blackbird, Robin and a Pied Wagtail.  

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Then it was a quick stop just along the road at Eyeworth Pond where ten species were found including a Nuthatch.  Again, more Canada Geese and Mallard on the water and around the feeders a Moorhen along with many Chaffinches, a Robin, Blackbird and Blue (mainly), Great and Marsh Tits.

Marsh Tit Parus palustris

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mandarin Duck, Muscovy Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

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