Christmas Morning birding on the Warsash/Solent Coast

Thursday 25 December

Christmas morning started bright and sunny but still with a very cold easterly reducing the actual temperature to below 1C.  Notwithstanding, I was out of the house and walking along the Warsash shore and down to Southampton Water by just after 9 to coincide with the (almost) start of the incoming tide.

No sooner at the slipway and I had my first Redshank and Black-headed Gull and once on the coastal path up and past Strawberry Fields a number of Oystercatchers and the first large flock of Brent Geese with the final count being over 220.  Also present almost 200 feeding Dunlin along with more Oystercatchers, Redshanks and a smaller number of Turnstone.

A few of the hundreds of Dunlin Calidris alpina

Moving on down to the navigation pier I came across the first Carrion Crows and Woodpigeon of the morning along with a couple of Herring Gulls.  Out on the main water beyond the lifeboat retainer a pair of distant Mute Swans. On the large mudflat beyond the pier many more Dunlin and Brent Geese along with half-dozen Shelduck on the water close to the shore.

Male Wigeon Anas penelope

Once at the Spit no shortage of Wigeon and roosting Black-headed Gulls. And at the inland end both a single Great Black-backed Gull and a sleeping Curlew.  Mind you, on the return journey the Curlew had moved to the water's edge but still catching up on its sleep!

Sleeping Curlew Numenius aquata

Curlew at water's edge with Wigeon

So on down to the Scrape where the water was well above its normal depth and just the main island showing upon which rested a couple of Canada Geese and a resting Lapwing.  A third goose was in the water nearby.  At the far side of the water a resting Herring Gull on the pontoon and close to the bank a pair of Mallard and couple of nearby Little Grebe.

Canada Geese Branta canadensis sheltering resting Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

The walk down to the Meandering Pool past the gorse are produced nothing but I did record a female Stonechat on the return walk through the gorse area.  Passing through the small spinney I cam across a male Blackbird and then when back at the navigation peer, having passed the massed walkers who seemed to have turned out in force (with or without dogs) for their traditional Christmas Day exercise, I stopped to check the small pond near the navigation school which seemed to hold just a single Black-headed Gull.  However, as I started off again I managed to find both a Heron and a Little Egret resting low on the back at the northern end

Little Egret Egretta gazetta

Starting off towards the path back up to Strawberry Fields I noted the half-dozen Teal in a flooded gully on the muddy beach and then a pair of Robins on the path itself.  And so back to harbour and on home for a refreshing drink and preparations for the coming feast.  Happy Christmas one and all.

Teal Anas crecca with Oystercatcher in foreground

Birds seen:

Bren Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Carrion Crow.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Wigeon with Turnstone Arenaria interpres in background

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Hamble River, Warsash

Wednesday 24 December

Finally, after hours of delay, able to get out and take a walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back in beautiful, sunny weather but with a very cold easterly wind reducing the temperature down to as low as 1C.  But, nevertheless, good to be out in the fresh air for a short while. 

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Less than a handful of birds on the shore and exposed islands themselves but a very large flock of Brent Geese on the flooded Bunny Meadow. In with the geese a few Wigeon and  handful of nearby Herring along with more than a score of Black-headed Gulls.

Wigeon Anas penelope with Brent Geese Branta bernicla

On the open river a fishing Great Crested Grebe and another individual resting on an exposed island just off the shore.  A Curlew flew up river above me and then, on the main temporary lagoon on the meadow, hundreds of Brent Geese plus a few Wigeon and a handful of Teal.  At the far back sheltering under the reeds a pair of Shelduck and the first Redshanks.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

But then was the small "island" towards the back of the water which held the very many roosting Dunlin along with at least eight Grey Plover.  A few Wigeon and Teal on the water at the back before I moved on to the conservation area itself.  Here I found more Wigeon and Black-headed Gulls.

Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Making my way back I came across a quartet of Carrion Crows and a similar number of Magpies to give a final tally of 16 species in less than an hour.

The Dunlin Calidris alpina roost

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Rock Pipit, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla in flight

Curlew Numenius aquata

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Redshank Tringa totanus

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Wigeon Anas penelope

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Farlington Marshes and Titchfield Meon Shore

Sunday 14 December 

A lovely clear start to the day, somewhat on the cold side but the sun trying its best to increase the warmth.  Farlington Marshes for a two hour clockwise tour of the site and on the way back to Warsash a chance to call in at two further sites for a short stay.  Arriving just before 9 o'clock few birds to be seen as the tide was only just on the turn and very little of the estuary uncovered.  Both Woodpigeons and Carrion Crows in the trees as I made my way to the sea wall and then the sight of very many Brent Geese along with Black-headed Gulls and a small gathering of Oystercatcher, Redshank and a couple of Curlew exploring the recently revealed mud.

A small group of Pintail noted as I made my way down the viewing point where I found scores of Shelduck along with a similar number of teal and many Coot.  A handful of Mallard and a few Cormorant and beyond the far fence the sight of many Canada Geese grazing in the field.

Continuing on around the sea wall I first came across the handful of Mallard followed by both a Cormorant and Magpie along with a Little Egret and many more Brent Geese plus Redshanks and Oystercatchers on the shore.  On the land side of the wall so many Canada Geese but no sight, on this occasion, of the single Barnacle Goose that has been hanging out with its cousins.  But, a little beyond the Canada Geese a trio of cock Pheasants.

Reaching the Deeps many Wigeon plus more Shelduck and a dozen or so Shoveler plus a few Mallard.  On the field beyond a number of Lapwing whilst, flying upstream on the channel between here and Hayling Island, a hundred plus Dunlin.  Also on the shore line more Oystercatchers and Curlews and a single Whimbrel flying out towards the water and beyond.  A couple of Rock Pipits foraging amongst the seaweed and then, as I approached the old barn, the first Moorhen of the morning.  Once at the pool in front of the barn, a number of Teal, Mallard and Moorhens behind the barn but noting on the water.  However, scores of Coots on the grass to the side and another cock Pheasant resting in a small paddock.   Finally, two Pied Wagtails and then a male Blackbird as I made my way back to the car.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Thirty minutes later I was parked up in the mudy Chilling Woods on Meon Road and walking to Brownwich Pond where, eventually, I did find the recently arrived Ferruginous Duck, albeit right at the back of the pond against a wire fence and difficult to photograph other than showing what looked like a whit spot on the end of a dark "blob."  But, out on the water, a pair of Mute Swans, eight Tufted Duck, a couple of Coot and a handful of Mallard.  But right in front of me at the outlet when I arrived a pair of Grey Wagtails but, unfortunately, they were taking off before I could lift the camera. making my way back to the lane for the walk to the car a pair of Pied Wagtails on the muck heap.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Having come so close the the sea at Hill Head, I decided to make the short journey to the Meon Estuary at Titchfield Haven to check the beach, with the tide now well out.  Right in front of me a score of Sanderling along with half-dozen Gadwall on the water itself.  Nearby a few Brent Geese but the main flock along with hundreds of gulls, including the nearby Herring Gulls, was further away and I did not bother to take out the scope as I had found the small waders I hoped to see, but also a handful of Turnstone and Oystercatchers.  As expected, both Lapwing and Cormorant on the island in the lagoon on the inland side of the road.  So ended a most enjoyable morning with a finally tally of 38 species.

Sanderling Calidris alba

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Ferruginous Duck, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Sanderling, Dunlin, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, 

Sanderling Calidris alba

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus with sanderling

Gadwall Anas strepera

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Villaricos & Vera Playa with the Arboleas Birding Group

Friday 12 December

My word the Arboleas Birding Group sound as if they had a fabulous birding morning producing 54 species!  Good to note the sightings of both Iberian Grey Shrike and Purple Swamphen. (How do headless Swamphens even manage to breed?)  It always amazes me that Cattle Egrets, unlike Little Egrets, are taking so long to colonise the UK, especially in the south, albeit I do record individuals each year down on the Hampshire coast.  Sad news received from Barrie this Wednesday telling me about Jan's unexpected death but pleased to report to all that Jenny and I will drive over to Folkstone for Wednesday's funeral.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa; Wednesday 10th December

Nigel picked up myself, Richard and Paul from my house.  He drove down to the parking area above the "ford" overlooking the Rambla de Almanzora, seeing some Woodpigeon en route.  Kevin was already there having stayed overnight in his motorvan.  We had a scan around.  Paul saw a distant Cormorant over the sea.  A Black Redstart was flitting around. I heard a Cetti's Warbler.  Nigel found a flock of Spotless Starlings and I added a Northern Starling.  Kevin, Nigel and Paul walked up towards the sewage works.  Richard and I added Magpie, White Wagtail, Collared Dove, Iberian Grey Shrike and a Sardinian Warbler.  A pair of Cattle Egrets flew past.  The wanderers returned.  They had added Mallard, Shoveler, Chiffchaff, a Subalpine Warbler and a Grey Wagtail spotted by Paul, Black-necked Grebe, Teal, Greater Flamingo, Moorhen, Robin, Little Egret and Ringed Plover.  Nigel added Little Grebe and Green Sandpiper.  Kevin saw a Common Sandpiper.  We were joined by Trevor, Michael, Karen and Mollie, their dog. 

  We headed for the beach.  On the rocks were a pair of Cormorants, three Sandwich Terns and later some Sanderling.  Out to sea I found a Gannet and a Yellow-legged Gull.  We moved round to the estuary.  Immediately we saw Coot and a couple of Grey Heron.  Kevin added some Dunlin and a Kingfisher which spent some time in the hover.  A flight of Goldfinch flew over.  Kevin heard a Great Tit.  Also seen were Black-headed Gulls, House Sparrows and a Kestrel.  A Stonechat was seen when we were en route to a well deserved cup of coffee.

Sandwich Terns (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

  Suitably refreshed, we made our way to the dual carriageway above the shallow waters opposite the Consum Supermarket behind Vera Playa.   Jacky was waiting for us . She had seen a Barn Swallow flying with the numerous Crag Martins.  Paul glimpsed a Water Rail with the numerous feeding Moorhens.  Nigel spotted an Avocet.  Also seen were Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler and Teal.  Paul added a Wren, a rare find here!  We went past the hump, Jacky adding a Snipe.  Kevin spotted both Common Pochard and White-headed Duck.  There were some Mediterranean Gulls intermingled with some Greater Flamingos.   Our first Black-winged Stilts of the day were seen.  Lots of Chiffchaff flitting around the shrubs. Michael & Karen (and Mollie) left us here.  Very sad that they are returning to the UK.  Hopefully they will be back in a few years time.

At the pool opposite the Aquaparc Nigel added our final bird, a Purple Swamphen.  Also seen were White-headed Ducks, Black-headed Gulls, Black-necked and Little Grebes and Greater Flamingos.  And a Ladder snake on the ramp below the "bridge"!!

Ladder Snake (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

What a great final trip for 2025! 54 species seen.   Great company.

(With its head tucked in) looks like a
Headless Purple Swamphen (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

Sending best wishes to both Peters for continuing recovery.  I heard from Barrie Avis, now back in the UK.  Sadly his wife, Jan, has passed away.  I'm sure you'll join me in sending our sincere condolences.

Kevin, unofficial treasurer, has counted our donations to the Andalucian Bird Society Donana fund. €270 in memory of Bill Dickinson.  Thank you all for your support.

Merry Christmas and good birding in 2026!

Dave

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Great-tailed Grackle

 Saturday 6 December

The New Forest Greater-tailed Grackle  Quiscalus mexicanus

I was on the site for thirty minutes; twenty minutes waiting for the bird to arrive having been seen here at 11.330am.  The house owners came out and made us feel welcome and stated that the bird usually arrives early morning but has been a regular feed since first arriving a few days short of a month ago. I should image that by now every local birder, and very many others from far and wide, have visited this property in Holbury to see the Greater-tailed Grackle.

All reports state that the bird is a ship-assisted vagrant from America and, presumably, hopped (flew) ship at Calshot as the vessel entered Southampton Water.  The bird remained on site for a week happy to forage on the shore and neighbouring car park before, as suggested, it was chased by a dog and made its departure.  Within four days is had been located once again at its present preferred site in Holbury.  Given the small bungalow with little front garden but holding both a bird bath and feeding tray, offered not only food, water and shelter but, perhaps a sense of home or familiarity.  Could it be, therefore, that the bird was not a wild vagrant individual but, perhaps and escaped pet?  Cetainly lots of strange behaviour and not concerned about the nearness of many people.  Indeed, as well as wandering about the drive, including under the parked car, and checking out the front door for a means of access it then hopped onto the front gate immediately in front on me and less then two feet away. My birding neighbour was even closer.  I'm sure if I had food in my hand t would have been quite happy to land on same for a free feed!

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New Forest Birding

 Saturday 6 December

Broken cloud and, on occasions, bight sunshine as I made my way to the New Forest, with a Buzzard overhead as I passed junction 5 on the M27, and finally arrived at Normandy Lagoon by 9.55.  Much more cloud now and less sun but the wind was rapidly heading towards gale force and rain promised by2.30 so onwards and upwards to the sea wall.

Hundreds of Dunlin Calidris alpina

Mainly Wigeon Anas penelope with a couple of Pintail Anas acuta

Arriving on the wall above the lagoon almost impossible to stand up and no chance with the scope, try as I might. Lots of birds sheltering down below on the water and islands including scores of Lapwings and hundreds of Dunlin.  Similarly, scores of Starlings moving about and ducks included Shoveler, Shelduck, Wigeon, Pintail, Teal and Tufted Duck.  I could seen a group of Spoonbill at the far side so moved on to the corner to take the steps down to the lower path and some protection from the very strong wind.

Teal Anas crecca

Now chance to get the scope of the groups of Pintails and Wigeon plus the sixteen Spoonbills who had eleven Avocets looking for shelter next to their legs.  At the far end a single Little Grebe.  Closer study found a small group of Grey Plover and a number of Oystercatchers plus the occasional Cormorant.  But just the one Herring Gull noted and no other gulls present.

Spoonbill Platalea leucorcodia sheltering 11 Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta plus 4 Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus

On the far back I found a singe Greenshank and then a Goosander flew past to land on the canal in front of me before working its way to my left. Moving on I had a quick sight of a Dartford Warbler as it flew up from the path side into the adjacent brambles.

Goosander Mergus merganser

Once at the far end I headed inland towards the marina and found the bulk of the Canada Geese flock along with  many Brent Geese and a single Egyptian Goose.  Out on the main water a lone Great Crested Grebe and a pair of Mute Swans.  Heading away from the lagoon I also recorded both Little Egret and Redshank and once closer to the mixed group of geese I noted the dozen or so Curlew and more Little Egrets plus many Jackdaw and a few Carrion Crows.   A Pied Wagtail moved across the field which then revealed a pair of Magpies.  Also present many more Teal along with a single Heron and a small number of Black-headed Gulls.  Moving through the trees to the yacht basin I also recorded Dunnock, Chaffinch and Blue Tit.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

Eventually arriving back at the car I moved on over the the Pennington Marshes for my usual anti-clockwise circuit  passing both Fishtail and Butts Lagoons. Stopping at the tope end I recorded the massed roosting flock of Black-tailed Godwits along with a good-sized flock of Golden Plovers.  Lots of Canada Geese to be seen but no Greylags. Also present over the whole field very many Lapwing.

Canada Geese Branta canadensis plus 3 Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Once parked up at the end of the lane I started my walk towards Fishtail lagoon and noted the lack of water in one are which held 40 Redshanks feeding on the exposed mud.  Lots of Shelduck, Mallard and Shoveler plus a handful of resting Great Black-backed Gulls.  Also both many Canada and Brent Geese present.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus (back) with Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Very little time spent of the sea wall as the wind was now even stronger but I note the many Teal and Shoveler on Pennington Lagoon as I turned inland.  Meanwhile, on the small beach opposite, a handful of foraging Turnstone.  Moving on towards the car park  a couple of Turnstone and a Robin whilst a Cormorant struggled to fly westwards.

Shoveler Anas clypeata

Just after 1pm when I finally departed towards home but with Holbury, near Fawsley, just thirty minutes away from Lymington I took the alternative route back via Beaulieu rather then heading directly north towards Lyndhurst and the M27.  Arriving at the small bungalow in Southbourne Road that has been the home to the vagrant Great-tailed Grackle for the past two or three weeks I ate my picnic whilst, hopefully, waiting for the bird o put in appearance. Twenty minute slater the bird was suddenly in the garden and wandering around the drive and lawn foraging for tit-bits.  At last I had seen this wanderer and more information and photos will appear in a following report.

Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Dartford Warbler, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Greater-tailed Grackle, Starling, Chaffinch.

5 Curlew Numenius arquata (centre)

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

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