New Forest Birding

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Thursday 16 January 

Passing through Burseldon on the country lane leading to Dodwell Lane and the M27 motorway, a Jay perched on a tree on the right-hand side of the road.  Then it was onwards on to the New Forest for an early afternoon visit to Blashford Lakes followed by Fritham and Eyeworth Pond on the way back to Warsash.  The early morning sunshine had gone giving a calm and cloudy afternoon, but not too cold and no rain.

Mainly Lapwing Vanellus vanellus with both Pintail Anas accuta and Wigeon Anas penelope

Arriving at the main Blashford reserve I started by visiting the Woodland Hide where I found Long-tailed, Coal, Blue and Great Tits along with Nuthatch, Robin and Blackbird.  Chaffinches and Dunnocks were foraging on the ground and then the arrival of a number of Siskin plus both Greenfinch and Chaffinch.  As I was about to depart a Great Spotted Woodpecker made a very brief visit to the feeder at the back.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Next a walk down to Ivy South Hide noting the few mallards on the scrape and once inside the hide a view of very many Wigeon along with a good number of Tufted Duck plus a few Shoveler and a pair of Gadwall. Over a score of resting Cormorant and  about a dozen Black-headed and a brace of Herring Gulls.  Just the one Great Crested Grebe at the back as a Kestrel flew past. 

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Making my way to the Ivy North Hide through the trees I stopped to check the large nest box and was able to confirm that the present resident Tawny Owl was enjoying its afternoon siesta.  As expected, this hide produced the many Teal on site along with more Shoveler, Wigeon and Cormorant.  A pair of Mute Swans and a Moorhen were working the left-hand channel.

Wigeon Anas penelope (male above, female below)

Moving over the Tern Hide overlooking Ibsley Water was immediately confronted by many Coot and no shortage either of Wigeon.  Careful scoping soon produced Shoveler and Tufted Duck along with a few resting Pintail on the larger spit off to the right.  Also present on this green protrusion a good number of Lapwing, resting Pintails and Wigeon plus a quartet of Egyptian Geese.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

At the back of the water a good number of Canada Geese before finding the eight Greylag Geese much nearer to the hide.  Off to the left a single Little Egret up against the back which led to me finding the second, closer, male Goldeneye.  This individual then made it way across the water passing right in front of the hide and giving a good view.  Less than a dozen Mute Swans present and only one Great Crested Grebe seen but there were very many Lesser Black-backed and Great Black-backed Gulls.  Just a handful of Black-headed Gulls.  On the other hand, no shortage of Cormorants.  Perhaps the biggest surprise came when I saw the male Goosander drift into view near the above-mentioned spit but too distant for a half-decent photo record.

Male Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

As I made my departure from the car park a Blackbird presented itself and at the end of the road in Ibsley village a Jackdaw, Magpie, Pied Wagtail and a Mistle Thrush on the school playing field.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Poor light upon arriving at Eyewater Pond having recorded Blackbird and Pied Wagtail as I passed through Fritham.  Just the eight Mallards seen but plenty of activity near the parking area where mainly Blue and Great Tits were taking advantage of the scattered seed.  Also enjoying the free meal a single Marsh Tit along with Robin, Dunnock and House Sparrow.   Small number of Chaffinches were also present and as I made my way up the hill from the pond I encountered both Woodpigeon and Collared Dove.

Great Tit Parus major (above) with Blue Tit P. caeruleus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin.

Robin Erathicus rubecula

Marsh Tit Parus palustris

Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus

Female Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

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Titchfield Haven and Titchfield Canal

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

Thursday 9 January

Thursday morning and friend Richard Osman turned p to collect me and the scopes so that we could send the morning birding in nearby Titchfield.  Arriving just after 9 on the Meon shore we took advantage of the free parking as near to the watch point as possible.  We had started out in below freezing weather but calm and a cloudless blue sky with a bright, albeit low initially, you soon started to melt the light frost on the paths and roads.  Indeed, unless in the shade, the temperature rapidly rose during the morning to reach a dizzy 4C although giving the impression of almost double figures.  Step into the shade and you soon discovered the reality! 

No sooner arrived and we checked the far shine beach below us near on the sea side of the harbour approach where we found over thirty resting Ringed Plover and a almost a score of Turnstone awaiting the outgoing tide to reveal fresh feeding areas.  The occasional Black-headed Gull on the open water and reaching the harbour quickly made contact with the many Mallard and more Turnstones.  A couple of Woodpigeon flew over and on the opposite side of the harbour a quintet of Redshank were working the edges.  Viewing the opposite end of the harbour from a different perspective we soon discovered not just more Turnstone but also a few Sanderling.

Sanderling Calidris alba

Walking on round to the yacht club mariner and the far side of the beach below Hill Head we found over forty, plus yet more Turnstones and few Redshank, foraging the shingle at the water's edge.  A Pied Wagtail appeared within yards of us as it walked the path and then, making our way back towards the road through the car par, first a couple of Woodpigeon the a pair of House Sparrows atop a tall metal pole with access to a breeding site at the top followed by a resting male Reed Bunting at the top a large, bare tree.

Male Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Back to the harbour via the back entrance to Titchfield Haven Visitors Centre where we recorded both Blue Tit and Robin along with more House Sparrows. In the harbour, very many Black-headed Gulls and Mallards on the water along with a Coot whilst the resident Turnstones were now on the beach.  Moving across the road to the bridge overlooking the reserve a Little Grebe was on the river and, apart from the overflying quintet of Canada Geese, the main lake contained many resting Shoveler plus a few Gadwall and Teal along with a handful of Coot.  Also present among the few Black-headed an immature Herring Gull.

Moving back along the shore car park to check the upper Solent, which produced nothing, we checked the distant pool on the reserve in time to see the mass appearance of around 50 Lapwing whilst on the water a Mute Swan, Shelduck and Heron.  Deciding, as it was now just after 10, to move on we stopped at the toilet and upon returning to the road Richard found the perched Kingfisher in a small tree on the opposite of the road.  Once back at the car, a last check of the now well-exposed beach produced more Redshank and a quintet of Oystercatchers as a group of three Brent Geese made their way north.  Our final bird at this site was a male Blackbird that crossed the road in front of us as we turned away from the shore road.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Arriving at Titchfield Canal car park at 10.45we then enjoyed over two and half hours walking down to the seat at the end of the avenue before returning to check the canal path upstream from the car park and the view from the road bridge. Almost immediately a Kestrel flying over and the first of very many Long-tailed Tits that were to be seen on this walk.  No shortage either of both Woodpigeons and Magpies from the start.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Checking Bridge Street Floods we noted the mangy Black-headed and a handful of Herring Gulls. Most birds on the bank including Wigeon, Teal, Pintail and Coot.  A couple of Cormorant and a lone Lapwing made up the numbers.  Both Carrion Crow and Jackdaw flew over as we made our way downstream towards the avenue. Once in the avenue we quickly added both Blue and Great as well as many more Long-tailed Tits.  On the Posbrook Floods more Wigeon and Teal plus a few Shoveler.

Great Tit Parus major

Stopping at the end of the avenue to enjoy our picnic lunch, we found a single Chiffchaff at the end of the track down to the back of the floods and a couple of Jackdaw plus a number of the above tits came to enjoy their lunch at the same time.  Both Blackbird and Robin were also noted here whereas in the distant trees beyond the river a trio of soaring and circling Buzzards were seen.  The, as a special bonus, a male Kestrel came to perch close by giving excellent views.

Male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Making our way back to the car park another check of Posbrook Floods produced a couple of Tufted Duck and reaching Bridge Street Floods we first noted the Stonechat posed atop a tall reed clump and the the mass take off and landing, concealed below the bank, of about forty Black-tailed Godwits. By now most of the ducks and gulls were out on the water and on a fence post bordering the water we had already identified a Common Gull.  Nearby more Robins and Long-tailed Tits and even a pair of Goldfinch put in  very brief appearance.  Off to the other side of the path, not so far away from the Barn Owl nest, we finally found the calling Jay.  Time to pay a visit to the rear of the pumping station next to the car park where, as in addition to the tits, we found our first Firecrest of the year.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

With the scope back in the car we walked up the canal path on the other side of the road as far as the churchyard.  Not just a handful of Moorhen but an Egyptian Goose wandering along on the far side of the horse paddock.  Near the end of the path a resting Carrion Crow, many Woodpigeon and alone Pied Wagtail alongside the large pool on the top meadow. Working our way back to the road we stopped to check the far ditch where we found another Moorhen plus a handful of Mallard.  Finally, walking along the road the the river bridge we checked the horse paddock on our right and found a pair of Egyptian Geese.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Firecrest, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting.

Sanderling Calidris alba

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Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

 Wednesday 8 January  

If an Arboleas Birding Group report arrives then it must be the new year and the lads and lasses are out once again with Dave.  Happy New Year to you all and trust you get to see some fabulous birds in the coming twelve months. Yes, you may mock the UK weather with the promise that, for some in the north of England, they are about to be in receipt of -20C temperatures later today!  Here in Warsash on the south coast it is bitterly cold and the promised rain has set in until early evening but tomorrow should be a bright, dry and sunny day, albeit just below freezing, so out to Titchfield Canal and Haven for me in the morning.  Despite your bright sunshine, or because of, some great birds seen though I did smile at the House Sparrow record as I am yet to see one this year!  How times change. But despite the weather (see my own blog report for today) I did manage to get out for an hour at lunch time before the freezing rain and strong winds arrived and drew me home.  Only 24 species for me with mainly waders and the birds of the morning no doubt the very close Spotted Redshank and a a first Curlew Sandpiper for the year and area.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa:  Wednesday 8th January

Happy New Year to you all.  Today was chilly but dry and sunny. (Sorry, you UK folks!)

I picked up Juda from La Alfoquia.  We headed towards the upper end of the Rambla de Almanzora. Joining near the Desert Springs golf complex, the first bird we saw was a male Sardinian Warbler flying across our path.  At the first weir was a pair of Teal and a Common Sandpiper.  Further along we had numerous Black-winged Stilts, some Mallard and Snipe and a Redshank.

Richard & Peter 1 were waiting at the carpark above the ford.  As I caught up with the paperwork we added Woodpigeon and Collared Doves.  We were joined by Peter 2, Michael, Karen, Trevor and Kevin. We all headed for the beach apart from Kevin who was going to check out the sewage works.  As we arrived there we disturbed a flock of House Sparrows.  On the harbour rocks I found a few Cormorants, a Kentish Plover and some scurrying Turnstones.  Richard spotted an immature gull on the rocks.  Not that I'm too hot on young gulls, but I was pretty sure it was a first winter Audouin's Gull.

We moved to the estuary.  Richard, Peter 1 and Juda went to the far side because the embankment climb would be too much for them.  We were joined by Kevin, who'd seen Kestrel, Little Grebe, Chiffchaff and Magpie at the sewage works.

The estuary produced Little Egret, Grey Heron, Black-headed Gull and Coot.  There were lots of Cormorants, but unfortunately no sign of the Spoonbill that Kevin had seen earlier.  Peter 1 on the far side added a Common Pochard.

After a coffee in Villaricos village we made our way to the dual carriageway behind Vera Playa.  Val was there to meet us.  There were numerous Shoveler with a few Shelduck, Teal and Mallard.  Peter 2 was the first to see the numerous Crag Martins flying above the waters.  There were a couple of Greater Flamingos and lots of flitting Chiffchaffs with the odd Stonechat (Peter 2) and a White Wagtail (Kevin). Kevin also added a Blackbird.  We moved round to the elevated platform where we added White-headed Ducks.  There were 26 individuals.

We ended up with 33 species.  It was great to be out birdwatching with good mates again.

Regards

Dave

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Hamble River, Warsash

 Wednesday 8 January

Time for a break and as the expected high winds and heavy rain had not arrived decided at 12.30 I would take a walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area.  Lots of layers on and the camera left behind in the hope that it might coincide with more birds to be seen.  It did, with a vengeance!  Meanwhile, outside the weather was calm and very dull offering poor light and not a single bird seen until I was past the ferry landing stage. Then a few Wigeon along with a Carrion Crow and Redshank. 

Wigeon Anas penelope

Approaching the first bridge a large flock of Wigeon accompanied by a score or more of Teal.  The first of five Curlews was noted as it fed at the water's edge alongside a Grey Plover.  Now the sightings began to come thick and fast albeit in low numbers per species.  A Greenshank on the inner side of the path as I approached the muddy meadow where I also found fifteen Shelduck.  On the muddy beach more Redshanks and a small flock of Black-tailed Godwits.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

More Curlew and Redshank and then, finally, the sight of a handful of Black-headed Gulls and a trio of Brent Geese at the water's edge. Looking to the meadow a Spotted Redshank stood proudly atop the bank not five meters away and giving an excellent view for a great photograph - but no camera to hand!  A single Turnstone landed close by and on the path in front of me the small movement drew my attention to the pipit that had landed amongst the weeds but remained long enough to be identifies as a Meadow Pipit.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

So on to the conservation where excitement and disaster happened almost simultaneously.  First the sighting of a score of resting Black-headed Gulls with many more Wigeon and Teal in the inlet pool with the wooden wreck.  A Kingfisher flew over and landed on the far bank and led me to see the resting Heron amongst the tall grasses while a pair of Oystercatchers were found on the opposite of the pool.  But looking to the river's edge I picked up a quartet of small waders quickly identified as Dunlin bar one, which with its larger decurved beak and longer legs signified a Curlew Sandpiper.  At this point, whilst at the furthest distance from home, the wind picked up and the rain began, a very cold and icy delivery.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

So, time to head back home at the fastest pace and only looking for new species rather than numbers.  Immediately on the river I saw the Mute Swan and then, over half way back to the start of the path, a Rock Pipit flew past me and landed just in front so putting up the eight resting Turnstones.  Finally, a Little Egret in the last channel on the left and as I took the path from river to road a pair of Blackbirds foraging on the path and in the neighbouring hedges.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Kingfisher, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Blackbird, Carrion Crow.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Curlew Numenius aquata

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Weston Shore and Netley

 Tuesday 7 January

A sunny but windy and very cold morning so a visit to nearby Weston Shore on the east at the top of Southampton Water immediately before encountering the docks. As expected, lots of Carrion Crows foraging on the beach plus very many gulls, mainly Black-headed but also a good number of Herring plus also both Great Black-backed and Common Gull. On the water itself a handful of Brent Geese.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla with an Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

A few Cormorants and a quintet of Mute Swans and near the water's edge, low tide rapidly approaching, a few Turnstone, many Oystercatchers and a quartet of Curlew. Even a Little Egret popped over from the small, reed-fringed pond on the other side of the road.

Curlew Numenius aquata

Returning home via Netley I picked up Moorhen, more Mute Swans and Woodpigions at Sophie's Pond and a Blackbird nearby.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Carrion Crow.

Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

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New Forest Birding; the first 2025 Outing.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

 Friday 3 January

The first birding visit of 2025 and what a way to start the new year. A full day in the New Forest based mainly on the marshes adjacent to the Solent at Lymington followed by a drive over to Blashford Lakes for the afternoon finally produced 64 species for us and not  single House Sparrow nor Starling seen.   Collecting friend Richard Osman from his home at 8, we were on site at Normandy Lagoon by 9am and the frosty temperature still recording a miserly 2C.  However, in full sunshine, no breeze and not a cloud in the clear blue sky, it promised to be a wonderful day and so it turned out.  Indeed, come late morning the temperature had risen to a magnificent 4C but the warm sunshine (and plenty of layers) gave the feeling of nearer 10 C!

Teal Anas crecca with Spotted Redshank in background

The visit to Normand Lagoon produced 32 species starting with Blackbird, Long-tailed and Blue Tits with very many Teal, Pintail and Wigeon on the water along with Shelduck, Shoveler and Tufted Duck.  Approaching the water we had close sightings of both Robin and Stonechat.  Lots of Lapwing present but just a few Common Redshank a Greenshank and the odd Turnstone.  On the other hand, lovely to see the pair of Spotted Redshank closed to the track feeding amongst a few Teal.  Just a single Little Egret and Little Grebe but a handful of Cormorants sheltering on the lagoon.  Not too many Brent Geese on the water but very active and constantly moving around.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia with Teal Anas crecca

Whilst there were fourteen sleeping Avocets, the eight Spoonbill had left to the east to rest on the outer harbour whilst most of the Oystercatchers and a single Grey Plover were on a grassy island just into the Solent proper.  A Marsh Harrier drifted over from the east high over the trees at the back of the lagoon and, in turn, led to the sighting of both a Heron and the pair of Mute Swans. Making our way back to the car, we also noted a Pied Wagtail, Coot and more Stonechats along with a Song Thrush once on the road.

Distant Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

Moving on to the nearby Pennington Marshes we were immediately welcomed by large numbers of Canada and Brent Geese plus many Lapwing on the flooded, and mainly frozen, meadow. At the roadside a handful of Blue and Great Tits plus a couple of Woodpigeon. taking the anti-clockwise circuit we soon stopped to study the occupants of Fishlake Lagoon from the north as a Magpie flew across on front of us. Lots of Wigeon and Teal and no shortage of Pintail as we then found both Mallard and Shoveler. A Little Grebe was bust fishing in the main water along with many resting Black-headed Gulls. Ere long we also noted both the Shelduck and many Coot with a couple of Little Egrets at the back of the lagoon.

Mainly Lapwing  Vanellus vanellus with a few Teal Anas crecca

At this point a retreating birder informed us about the immature White-tailed Eagles that were roosting on the distant pine bushes on the horizon, probably at least 400 metres away. Whilst two were showing well, albeit more like silhouettes, there had originally been three plus a Marsh Harrier resting on the other side of the bush.  Record photographs taken, we move of to the sea wall noting both Robin and Dunlin on the way. m At the same time, a large flock of Canada Geese flew overhead making a most impressive sight.

Record shot of distant resting White-tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla

Once on the seawall we made our way westwards where, in the distance, we could see a number of gathered birders who, with luck, might have found the visiting Lesser Yellowlegs.  It was at this pint that, having left the rucksack in the car and just carrying the camera along with scope, I discovered that the battery had exhausted itself and certainly not helped by the very cold weather.  Looking back at Fishlake Lagoon, the islands in front of u held a number of Oystercatchers plus more Black-headed and a Great Black-backed Gull along with Redshanks, Shelduck, Shoveler and Pintails.  Reaching the birders mentioned above they were now all dispersing but with a few moving on another twenty metres or so where we discovered that the Lesser Yellowlegs had been relocated but very much at the back of a pool beyond a small group of trees and tall grasses growing around the water.  However, a little patience and the bird put in the very occasional appearance and we managed to catch a brief glimpse of the visiting wader.

Pintail Anas acuta

Returning along the track towards Butts Lagoon we had a Lesser Black-backed Gull fly over and then once at the lagoon identified a number of Gadwall before stopping at the sea corner of the lagoon for some light refreshments.  Whilst seated on the bench leisurely drinking the coffee provided by Richard, a lone Spoonbill flew over from the east and looking eastwards along the sea wall we could see a quartet of foraging Turnstones at the sea's edge.   Time to move on and at the centre of Pennington Lagoon, apart from the Heron and many Teal, Pintail and Shoveler, we found a quartet of feeding Snipe at the edge of a grassy mound.

Part of the large Canada Geese Branta canadensis flock passing over

On the open sea near to the pier before we turned inland and back to the car park, two flocks of Wigeon plus at least five Great Crested Grebe.  But, having convinced myself that I had also seen a Red-breasted Merganser, I searched the nearby water waiting for the divers to reappear and, sure enough, a trio of these lovely water birds.  So back to the car and time to move on and as we approached the last stretch before the gate, looking up a flock of around 250 Golden Plover were moving and swirling across the sky above.

Female Siskin Carduelis spinus

Time for the forty minute drive inland to Blashford Lakes, a little north of Ringwood, and visit both the Wooded area and Ibsley Water.  Having noted the Magpie as we entered the reserve, first to he Woodland Hide which, on this occasion, was in a very poor condition with the opening window slot already occupied and the remaining fixed windows very much "blogged" up on the outside so giving virtually no clear view at all.  However, we did manage to record Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, plus Siskin, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Nuthatch.  On the ground Dunnock, Robin and Blackbird.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Taking our leave to head down to the Ivy South Hide we stopped at the end of the path to simple look over the fence to the wooded area behind and, in addition to the above birds seen more clearly, we also found a very close Goldcrest and couple of Tree-creepers.  Passing the Scrape on the right we found a bout ten Mallard and once in the South Ivy Hide a number of Wigeon, Pintail and Tufted Duck on the water.  A Kingfisher flashed past the hide, but missed by Richard, and then we made our way back through the trees to the Ivy North Hide where Richard saw the Moorhen that I missed.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

So, over to the Tern Hide and check out Ibsley Water. Not so many Coot on this occasions but hundreds of Lesser Black-backed plus a few Herring and Black-headed Gulls.  No shortage of Pintail and Wigeon but just the one Great Crested Grebe seen.  In addition, a few Mallard and Gadwall and right at the back a lone Greylag Goose.  A few Cormorant but a score or more Mute Swan and the we found both Heron and a Great White Egret off to the far back right of the hide.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

With the sun going down we made our departure and managed to find both Jackdaw and Pied wagtail at the end of the road before taking the scenic route to Fritham for a a farewell drink on the way home.  But still time to pop down to nearby Eyeworth Pond where the Blue and Great Tits were still feeding along with Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Pied Wagtail and a number of Chaffinch - not to mention ten Grey Squirrels which seemed to be very busy devouring all the food left by passing birders!  Much of the shaded pond was still frozen but a dozen Mallard noted on the more open part of the water.

So ended a marvellous opening to the birding year in great company and perfect weather, even if somewhat on the cold side.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Great White Egret, Spoonbill,  White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull,  Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Tree-creeper, Magpie Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Siskin.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Frozen Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Redshank Tringa totanus (left) with Greenshank

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus with Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta (right) and Teal A. crecca (front left)

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