Hamble River, Warsash

Sunday 30 August

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

A very pleasant two-hour walk up the Hamble River to the conservations area and back with friend Hazel Croft-Phillips; even missing most of the heavy shower at the start and light shower over the last five minutes. Once at the riverside a number of Black-headed Gulls and the the first of many Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks.  A handful of Turnstones on the water line near the ferry pier and even a Carrion Crow on the handrail.

Moving on past the pier more Black-tailed Godwits and then the first of the very many Ringed Plovers that were to be seen all the way up the river.  On the bank at the water's edge a pair of Grey Plover and then the first of four Curlew.  On the meadow side of the path a number of Woodpigeons seen near the gardens and a single Magpie whilst a Little Egret flew overhead down river.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Moving on to the flat mud of Bunny Meadow six Mute Swans flew in and came to rest at the river's edge and more Canada Geese, the latter's final number totalling twenty-two.  Finally, the first and only Herring Gull of the morning flew past.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Arriving at the conservation area we found seven resting Little Egrets along with no less than five Grey Herons.  Just a handful of Black-headed Gulls but also two distant, sleeping Greenshank.  Fortunately, the Greenshanks awoke so giving better views but no additional photographs taken.

Distant Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Finally, whilst check the resting Canada Geese before starting the return walk home, a pair of Oystercatchers were seen in the long grass at the back of the geese and whilst I noticed a Pied Wagtail on the bank near the old wreck, Hazel had a very close view of the second Pied Wagtail.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Curlew, Back-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

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