Lower Hamble River, Warsash

Thursday 21 August 

Canadian birding friends Ron and Eileen Orenstein arrived very early this morning so mid-afternoon saw Ron and I taking a walk up the Hamble River to the high bridge and back.  The tide approaching its lowest level so most birds a far distance away but still plenty to be seen on a somewhat cloudy afternoon and a little cooler then past days.  A couple of Woodpigeon as we approached the river that a number of Back-tailed Godwits, Redshanks and a trio of Turnstone on the mud near the ferry pier.  Also present both Herring and Black-headed Gulls and the first of seven Little Egrets seen during the next couple of hours.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Making our way up river a continuous supply of Black-tailed Godwits and regular Redshank appearances. At the turn to the narrow track over the meadow to the trees a lone Lesser black-backed Gull and right at the back of the meadow almost in the tall grasses a Common Sandpiper.  Taking chance to study the now wide green area without water coverage, not only more Black-tailed Godwits but a small number of Ringed Plover.  A Moorhen ran for cover and a couple of Lapwing put in and appearance.  Then we found the newly arrived Grey Plover.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

Turning towards the shore, we managed to find a couple of Carrion Crows and more Ringed Plovers. A little surprised to find a singe Dunlin and a Cormorant flew up river.  Back over a field on the opposite side a large mixed flock of Barn Swallows and mainly Sand Martins busy feeding over the dried grass.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

At the conservation area a couple of Mallards flew in to join the many Black-headed Gulls.  A flash of white as a Greenshank took off and later returned to the same area where we found a second bird.  Near the wreck, a wandering Heron and a Woodpigeon was joined by a couple of Rock Doves.

Heron Ardea cinerea

The walk up the high bridge revealed nothing new and many more Black-tailed Godwits so the long walk back home.  Half-way back and we came across a Pied Wagtail and a sunbathing Cormorant on the shore.  Finally, we found the only Curlew of the afternoon.  We also came across a single Mute Swan on the final inlet to give a total of 26 species.

Cormorant Phalacrocorax garbo

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herrin Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

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