Warsash and Solent Shore

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

 Thursday 16 October

A walk along the Warsash then Solent shore as far as the meandering Pool and back around midday left me somewhat over-dressed; the forecast having suggested another dull, overcast day rather than the mainly blue skies with bright, warm sunshine that I experienced.  And the sun certainly brought out some wonderful, unexpected species to make it a fabulous 100 minutes.

Passing the harbour both a couple of Black-headed and Herring Gulls then on towards Strawberry Fields where I cam across Robin and Greenfinch.  Approaching the maritime pier a score or more Black-tailed Godwits plus almost as many Redshank , a couple of Oystercatchers and a single Little Egret.  The other side of the pier produced a further score of Redshank along with more Black-headed Gulls.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Looking across the mudflats to the Spit I could see the recently arrived Brent Geese with a total count of sixty.  Both Woodpigeon and Carrion Crows flew past as I continued to scope the geese and, at the same time, fond a single Great Crested Grebe feeding just off shore and a couple of resting Cormorant.  Once at the Spit a count of 140 Wigeon.

A few of the 60 Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Coming out of the spinney to walk along the Solent shore to the Scrape a Kingfisher made a hasty departure down the (inland) channel.  Then, approaching the pool a couple of Stonechat on the bushes below me and once arrived about a score of resting Black-tailed Godwits along with 30 Teal, a Little Egret and a pair of Mallard.  A lone Heron was resting on the first island.

Resting Teal Anas crecca with a lone Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Moving on towards the Meandering Pool, where nothing was found, a lovely Wheatear playing "catch me if you can." Just the one Linnet seen then a pair of Magpies before starting the amazing return journey.  Just beyond the Scrape having seen another couple of Stonechats I stopped and watched a Dartford Warbler put in an appearance in the scrub on the others side of he channel alongside the reserve.  Beautiful.

Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata

Not content with one good find I arrived back at the Spit and stopped to check the "odd" gull resting amongst a group of Wigeon.  Lovely to see a Common Gull and then, not 20 yards further on, a quartet of Glossy Ibis.  Years since I saw a quartet and all recent reports have been of a single, possibly two, individuals at the southern end of Titchfield Haven reserve.  Much time checking these birds as two appeared to be adult glossies but the other two were smaller and browner.  Could it possibly be that the Glossy Ibis have actually bred locally?  Photos sent off to the County Recorder to query same. With a smile on my face I continued on and added a pair of Blue Tits followed by six Collared Doves in the pine trees next to the small pond near the fire training centre.  The final sighting was under the maritime pier where I found a score of foraging Turnstones to bring up a final tally of 30 species for the 100 minute walk.

Common Gull Larus canus

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Dartford Warbler, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Greenfinch, Linnet.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata

Sleeping Curlew Numenius arquata

Common Gull Larus canus

The Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus quartet

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Wigeons Anas penelope

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.