Titchfield Haven

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica

Wednesday 21 May 

After yesterday's early morning visit to the nearby Titchfield Haven Reserve in dry, about to be, another sunny day when my short stay did not coincide with the arrival of the recent Hudsonian Godwit, I was back on site this morning by 10.30 with still a little drizzle following overnight rain.  Indeed, it continued to rain, albeit not heavy, for the whole of my hour's stay but, come afternoon and now back home, the sun is now once again out and shining brightly.  But, rain or no rain, it was a very successful morning with the Hudsonian Godwit showing very well when seen from the Meon Hide.

The visit started after parking the car up the hill on Cliff Road and a walk along the front past the sailing club.  On the beach with the tide now over half-way out, lots of Herring along with a smaller number of Black-headed and a pair of Great Black-backed Gulls.  Also feeding at the water's edge a small number of Oystercatchers.   In front of near the harbour entrance, the visiting Black Swan accompanied by almost a score of Mute Swans and very many Mallards. Checking the roadside lagoon from the viewing area many Coot and Black-headed Gulls along with a Common Tern, Great Crested Grebe and a number of Mallard.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Then it was on to the reserve entrance and straight to the Meon Hide overlooking the lake and its islands immediately in front.  Approaching the hide a Dunnock dashed across the path and once inside the sight of a mass of breeding Black-headed Gulls and Avocets.  Lots of nearby Shelduck along with Mallards and their recently fledged youngsters.  At the very back of the water a pair of Canada Geese.  Even a Common Tern came to visit.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Then it was time to concentrate on the visiting Hudsonian Godwit, now on its fifth day at the site.  Previously it had been associating, and presumably roosting, with a small flock of Black-tailed Godwits but this morning not a wader of any description on sight, never mind the Black-tailed Godwits. At first it was resting and preening at the front of island "D" before eventually taking to the water in front for some well-deserved refreshment.  Despite the occasional drizzle and overcast weather, the Hudsonian Godwit was giving excellent views to all, probably about fifteen of us at the time, before eventually moving to the back of the island as it continued to feed.

Island "D" with its breeding Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus and
the Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica on the far right

Leaving the hide I made my way along the shore to take the steps up to the cliff and back to the car parked on the nearby road.  Still the same birds present but passing the viewing area I was able to locate both the Shovelers and Tufted Ducks seen yesterday morning.  A Carrion Crows was also foraging on the shore along with a single Little Egret and a Pied Wagtail walked passed outside the former Visitors Centre.  Once at the top of the steps I cam across Robin, Blackbird and a Rock Dove before heading home.  Passing along Posbrook Lane I came across a few Rooks on the last field and then a pair of Barn Swallows on a wire over the road near the cemetery.  Naturally, there was no shortage of Jackdaws on the house roofs as I turned towards Warsash.

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica

Birds seen:

Canada Goode, Mute Swan, Black Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Hudsonian Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

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