Hamble River, Warsash

Sunday 19 April 

The sun was shining in a clear blue sky so took a very quick walk up the neighbouring Hamble River to the conservation area and back.    Not so many birds about but numbers gradually increased as I added my final, 16th, species when almost back.  A very different Turnstone a the summer plumage develops.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

The outward journey started with a few Black-headed Gulls along with the occasional Herring Gull and then a small group of Black-tailed Godwits with the tide just over half-way in.  On the exposed western edge of the first island a pair of Oystercatchers and in the channel both a Redshank and a Shelduck.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Both Carrion Crow and Blackbird noted along with more Black-tailed Godwits as I made my way to the conservation area.  Just the one Curlew noted and at the back of one of the neighbouring gardens a single Canada Goose.  Once at the conservation area, now rapidly filling with water, a few Black-headed Gulls and a single Curlew on the eastern bank.  A Pied Wagtail flew across the water.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

As I started back a few Woodpigeons in the trees at the back of the meadow and then a pair of resting Mute Swans in an inlet on the shore.  The next beach area produced a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls before noting eleven Starlings on the lawn of a large house.

Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus

Finally, as above, approaching the ferry pier a Turnstone working the water's edge.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Starling.

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