Fishlake Meadows, Romsey

Sunday 6 April

Yet another bright, sunny start with clear blue skies but, as with previous similar days, quite a cool nip in the air.  Arriving at Fishlake Meadows at 8.45  I was welcomed by Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird and Chiffchaff.  And setting of down the canal path into the reserve I was soon being bombarded by the constant songs/call of numerous Cetti's Warblers along with similar call from the diminutive Wrens.

Looking over the reedbed, where "Merlin" was recording the calls of a Sedge Warbler, a couple of Mute Swans on the far water and a resting Great White Egret whilst a couple of Greylag Geese flew away to my right. Certainly no shortage of Woodpigeons before the appearance of the first Magpies and Carrion Crows before the arrival of a Collared Dove.  Meanwhile, above me, I note the passing of a handful of Barn Swallows.

Great White Egret Egretta alba

Both Chaffinch and Blue Tits were recoded as I made my way down from the canal path to take the path towards the screens overlooking the water.  A Buzzard was resting atop a pylon and then, taking the narrow path, on the small pond to my left a pair of Mute Swans accompanied by Teal, Gadwall, Mallard and a pair of Canada Geese.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Once at the screens, the pond to the right held a single Great White Egret whilst on the main water more Greylag Geese plus Mallards, Gadwall, Teal and Shoveler.  Even a couple of Coot.

Great White Egret Egretta alba

Time to head back towards the car park but continued on to the main road, encountering both a Wren on the path and a male Blackcap in the low bush to which it fled as I approached.  Once at the observation point alongside the man road, a few Tufted Duck and Coots along with the many resting Cormorant and more Greylag Geese.  A the back of the water at least three Great Crested Grebes and resting on or near the few trees mid-water, a few Herring plus a single Lesser Black-backed Gull.  Just as I was about to depart I noticed the Moorhen that slipped out from the reeds at the back.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Great White Egret, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch.

Departing Great White Egret Egretta alba

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