Saturday 1 March
A lovely sunny start to the day so by mid-morning after collecting friend Richard Osborn, we headed off to the River Itchen at Mansbridge to walk downstream alongside the non-tidal water. Lots of Mallard taking advantage of all the food being provided along with a score of Greylag Geese and a pair of Mute Swans. Four Moorhen counted plus scores of Carrion Crows, a single passing Jackdaw and a trio of Magpies.
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| Greylag Goose Anser anser |
Many singing Robin, Blue and Great Tits along with sightings of at least three Blackbirds. But best of all the plentiful supply of feeding Chiffchaffs and Long-tailed Tits in the open trees on the opposite bank. Once at Woodmill not as many gulls as expected but still a good number of Black-headed plus just under a dozen Herring Gulls.
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| Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita |
The highlight of the return walk was the sighting of a Firecrest in the open trees on the opposite side of the river followed by a pair of Grey Wagtails. Once back at the Swan Hotel a Buzzard overhead.
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| Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla |
Having returned to Richard's home we took the opportunity to take a short walk through the neighbouring Beacon Wood and found Goldcrest, Wren and Robin plus both Blue and Great Tits. Not just a couple of Blackbirds but also a Song Thrush in addition to the resident Carrion Crows and Woodpigeons. Back at the house both Starling and House Sparrows on the feeders.
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| Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea |
Birds seen:
Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Buzzard, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Grey Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow,
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| Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea |
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| Moorhen Gallinula chloropus |
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