Farlington Marshes

Saturday 14 February

After all the wet and gloom (and more of that from tomorrow), it was lovely to wake up to a beautiful sunny day with bright blue skies even if somewhat cold.  Time to wrap up warm, fish out the walking boots and with friend Adrian Enzner drive over to Farlington Marshes for a clockwise circuit of the site.  Arriving on site at 10.15 to face the high tide just on the turn we setoff for the viewing point overlooking the lake on the western boundary.  Goldfinches as we walked through the wooded area and then, once on the sea wall, time to view the roosting Black-headed plus at least one Common Gull and a dozen Oystercatchers on a slip of an island just off the present shore.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Arriving in the lake area the first of a number of Stonechats below us whilst out on the water many Pintail, Teal and distant Shelduck along with Mallard, Shoveler and Tufted Duck.  A lone Heron off to the left and a Cormorant resting with a few Lapwing and handful of Redshank.  But no other waders to be seen. At least a quartet of Little Grebe and at the back of the water a passing Marsh Harrier looking for a slight snack!  beyond the fence we could easily identify the scores, if not hundreds, of Canada and Brent Geese.

Pintails Anas acuta

Back a 100 yards and down the steps to take the waymarked path across the meadow alongside the river to reach the old barn.  On the field in front first a Moorhen then a pair of Pied Wagtails followed by a trio of Meadow Pipits. On the river more Shelduck and Black-headed Gulls along with a few Coot. A large flock of Starlings passed over and in the wooded area we fond both Wren and Greenfinch. Towards the end of the path we also came across both Blue and Great Tits plus a male Blackbird and a Chiffchaff.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Whilst at the old barn many Brent Geese on the water whilst the Coots were resting on the bank.  A Robin was seen, quickly followed by a pair of Magpie and as we started off up the track with scores of Canada and Brent geese in the meadow to our right also a single cock Pheasant.  Meanwhile, in the field to the left of the right-hand turn, at least 60 feeding Curlew. and a handful of Herring Gulls. Off to the distant left near the motorway we picked up a couple of Woodpigeon in the trees and near the water below the second Little Egret of the morning.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Just as we approached the eastern sea wall, with now much more mud exposed, we came across a Dunnock in the hedgerow and then many more Brent Geese in the main channel. A gentle stroll along the pathway and a stop on the first straight stretch where, sheltering with a dozen or so Canada Geese, we found a pair of resting White-fronted Geese.  Joy of joy for all concerned, including the many birders who were making the most of the sunshine to visit this favourite site.

White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons resting between Canada Geese Branta canadensis with Shelduck Tadorna tadorna in front

Once at the Deeps very many Wigeon and more Teal, Mallard and Shoveler with scores of resting Shelduck in the background. Also present a few Lapwing and the occasional Coot and Moorhen.

Resting Redshank Tringa torquatus with Wigeon Anas penelope on water

On round the path until back at the start of the western sea wall where we found a pair of Mute Swans.  More Curlew and Oystercatchers found out on the mudflats along with a handful of Redshank.

Distant photo of Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Much time spent just beyond the viewing point as we made our way back to the car to check the meadow below where we found lots of active Stonechats and Pied Wagtails along with the trio of Meadow Pipits.  On the distant river a Great Black-backed Gull and then, as we were about to depart, a male Kestrel came to rest on a small tree.  

Resting male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Finally, back at the car and preparing to remove our muddy boots, a couple of Long-tailed Tits flew into the adjacent bushes.  And so ended a very pleasant morning in wonderful company and very many pleasant birders encountered on our circuit of the marsh which resulted in our finding 46 species.

A few of the large Pintail Anas acuta flock

Birds seen:

White-fronted Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan. Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Back-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Female Pintail Anas acuta

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons between Canada Geese

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Hamble River, Warsash

Monday 9 February

A lovely sunny morning and only a slight, cold breeze so a quick walk up to the conservation area and back whilst the tide was ell out.  Not so many species about but a good occasion to try out the new settings on the camera.  Approaching the ferry pier a dozen Brent Geese along with three resting Mute Swans.  Just beyond the first of many Black-headed Gulls and a Curlew.

Mute Swans Cygnus olor

Making my way upriver more Brent Geese and then the first small flock of Wigeon accompanied by feeding Dunlin, Redshank and a couple of Grey Plover.  Lovely to find a Greenshank also feeding in a shallow bay.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

The larger temporary island off to the left held more Curlew, a Grey Plover and a couple of Shelduck.  Behind the Grey Plover a resting Lesser Black-backed Gull.  On the muddy meadow a couple of Carrion Crow and in the inlet the first of two Little Grebes to be seen.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Arriving at the conservation after seeing more Brent Geese at the water's edges the main Wigeon flock along with eight Teal.  Making my way back I came across two Little Egrets before finding a Cormorant near the ferry pier.  A quartet of Starlings passed over and in the tall trees eight Woodpigeon and a Blackbird. Final bird of the morning a Robin as I approached the exit path.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Grey Plover Pluvialis sqatarola

Curlew Numenius arquata between Wigeon Anas penelope

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna with Dunlin flock

Teal Anas crecca

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Hayling Island and Farlington Marshes

Sunday 8 February  

What could only be described as a cloudy, dull and miserable day, albeit dry and and calm, as I arrived at the Hayling Island Reserve based on the old "Billy Line" and Oysterbeds just after 9.30.  Again, not helped by the fact that a sea mist had crept in very much restricting visibility out on the water until it started to lift about an hour later.  Notwithstanding, Robin, Dunnock and Carrion Crows as I made my way to the old Billy Line and the signal to check both the inland estuary and the open water.  In the harbour a couple of Brent Geese along with a handful of Redshank and a score or more Dunlin.  Both Black-headed and Herring Gulls were also noted.  On the nearby open water beach a lone Curlew plus both Grey Plover and Oystercatcher.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

Moving on down to the path to the former oysterbeds I picked up more Redshanks, Curlews and Grey Plovers plus a couple of Turnstone.  A pair of Mute Swans were noted out on the open water and then both Blackbird and Goldfinches in the bushes adjacent to the path.  A pair of Mallards were recorded as was the Shelduck and a quartet of Shoveler.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Passing the main inland pool with its mid-water bank there were hundreds of Black-headed Gulls staking out their nesting territory and amongst them four Mediterranean Gulls.  The majority of he latter's breeding birds appear not to have arrived yet.  Behind me I found both Woodpigeon and Magpie plus a couple of Blue Tits.

Then on to the path leading out to the main water's edge where time with the scope, and especially when joined by three fellow birders, we eventually found not only the visiting Red-necked Grebe but also a single Great Northern Diver.  I had already found a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers and four more were to be discovered along with another couple of Goldeneye to add to that already seen by myself.  To complete the picture, also a couple of Great Crested Grebes.  The muddy bed of the now empty pool held at least ninety Brent Geese and a few Curlew and Redshank.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla grazing at the Deeps

Making my way back to the car park along the former railway track I came across more Blue and a couple Great Tits plus another Blackbird and a Greenfinch. A single Coot was on the inland pool and from the car park itself I noted the handful of Wigeon on the opposite side of the harbour.

Departing Hayling Island I made a stop at Farlington Marshes, arriving just before noon, so that I could take a clockwise circuit of the reserve.  Lots of Coot, a few Oystercatchers and a couple of Mallard in the lagoon near the old barn the onwards noting the hundreds of Brent and Canada Geese.  A little Egret was seen at the other side of the field on my left and on my right a half-dozen Pied Wagtails feeding near the Brent Geese.

Blackbird, Herring Gull and Carrion Crow were noted as I made my way up to the sea wall and then it seemed to be a continuous stretch of feeding Dunlin until the path turned right at the far end, well beyond the Deeps, here must have been thousands.  Not only Dunlin but also a few Curlew, a Turnstone, more Oystercatchers and even a handful of Grey Plover.  Out on the water a Great Crested Grebe and a single, female Pintail.

Shoveler Anas clypeata

At the Deeps itself  good number of Shoveler plus a score of Teal, many Wigeon and, of course, many more Brent and Canada Geese.  On the edges the first couple of the seven Moorhen I was to see between here and the viewing point on the western side of the reserve.  At this point a flock of well in excess of 100 Starlings flew over and into the area.

Pintail Anas accuta

Reaching the viewing point on the western track leading back to the car park at least 50 Pintail on the open water with the tide almost right in plus a small number of Teal.  From the viewing point I noted the Wigeon and large resting flock of Lapwing and scores of Shelduck resting in the field beyond the lake.  Just the one resting Heron behind the Lapwings and then the arrival of a cock Pheasant, appearing to be collecting dropped feathers and down so, presumably, nest building in the area. At last, finally, I came across a trio of Woodpigeon to take the sites total of species up to 31, the same as that at Hayling Island.

Cock Pheasant  with Teal Anas crecca

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Goldeneye, Pheasant, Great Northern Diver, Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

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Hamble River, Warsash

Saturday 7 February

Been busy with paperwork during a damp morning but in need of some fresh air so took a quick walk after lunch up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back in dry, if somewhat cold, weather  with wind and heavy cloud.  Given it was also high tide, what birds that were on the flooded meadow area were all at the back and at a distance of almost 100 yards.

A Carrion Crow flew over the path as I started the walk up river and once in the meadow area discovered a small flock of seven Canada Geese along with ten Shelduck and a score of Brent Geese.  More Brent Geese and Wigeon as the walk continued with a Woodpigeon and a pair of Carrion Crows in the nearby garden.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna with Brent Geese Branta bernicla in front

On the flooded area a score of resting Black-headed Gulls with another three on arriving at the conservation area along with a couple of Herring Gulls.  More Wigeon and the far back a pair of Mute Swans.

Wigeon Anas penelope

A flock of about a hundred Dunlin had swirled across the sky above as I made my way up river and, presumably, a few had landed to rest in the conservation area along with almost twenty Grey Plover.  All, basically, very quiet and given the cold wind it was very much a quick walk more for the exercise than the birding.

Roosting Grey Plovers Pluvialis squatarola

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus (2nd from right ) with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Mute Swans Cygnus olor (at back)

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Titchfield Canal, Meon Shore, Hill Head and Weston Shore, Southampton

 Wednesday 4 February

Lovely calm and sunny day and not too cold, eventually reaching about 10C by midday.  Down on the Meon shore at Hill Head and Titchfield Haven by just after 10 and a good-sized flock of Brent Geese out on Southampton Water.  But from the waterside car park and nearby road bridge most bird life was to be seen in the Nature Reserve with a good number of Black-headed Gulls and Shovelers in the main lagoon.  Looking over into the reserve proper plenty of lapwing and Shoveler plus a number of Shelduck and resting Wigeon.  In with the Wigeon many resting Oystercatchers and the occasional Coot and Canada Goose also recorded.

Moving on past the marina to check the resting birds on the far side of the river mouth I found very resting Black-headed Gulls and a few Herring Gulls.  Indeed, in amongst all the gulls and Oystercatchers also a singe Great Black-backed Gull.  On the shore near the river mouth about a dozen foraging Turnstone.  Out on the water moving towards the river mouth a pair of Mute Swans.  Eventually, I continued on to the bathing huts and took the steps up to the cliff top for a better view of the man water and was rewarded with the sight of eleven Eider Ducks.  Finally, nearer the shore, about a core of feeding Black-tailed Godwits.  Making my way back to the car along the road I cam across both Rock Doves and Woodpigeons on and around the houses.

Turnstones Arenaria interpres

Time to move and back to Titchfield to take a walk down the canal path.  But first a short walk up the canal past the horse paddock where I found not only most of the field flooded but much water overflowing from the canal to my path.  A Blackbird as I started off and in the garden of the first house, making use of the provided feeder, Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tits.  (Should have taken the photos then as the birds as disappeared when I returned less then ten minutes later.)  having to stop half-way along the path because of the flood water I managed to scope the distant field and wet area and found a pair of both Mute Swans and Mallards and the also a pair of Greylag Geese.

The overflowing River Meon at Titchfield

Back across the road to the main canal path westwards and noting the road now closed because of flooding but another Blackbird and Blue Tit as I started off.  My first bird was a resting Buzzard before getting my first look at the Bridge Street Flood.  Lots of Black-headed Gulls and resting Wigeon plus a number of Coot but difficult to make out anything else.

The resting Buzzard Buteo buteo

Approaching the small bridge on the right the amount of flood water was very obvious but I did find a trio of Herring Gulls resting on the grass to my left. Both Carrion Crow and Magpie noted and then a score of Canada Geese at the back of the flood water as Approached Posbrook Flood and a fly-by of a Cormorant.

Reaching the avenue beyond the bridge a pair of Dunnock and the the call of a Green Woodpecker from in the trees on the far side of Posbrook Flood.  On the water a number of Black-headed Gulls plus a quartet of Shoveler with a Heron resting on a tree next to the water.  At the far end a few more Coot and a couple of Teal.  Making my way back to the car park I had a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the trees to my immediate left and then finally caught up with the sight of both Wren and Robin.  An added bonus was finding a couple of Redwing in the small trees on the other side of the car park.

Distant shot of the resting Heron with Black-headed Gulls on the water

Still only 11.15 so decided to take the opportunity to take the thirty minute drive over to Weston Shore at the top of Southampton Water to see if the Great Northern Diver was still about as it had been seen earlier in the day.  No such luck and the tide now fully in with very many Black-headed and Herring Gulls out on the water.  Similarly, loads of Carrion Crows in the are, both on the car park wall and neighbouring trees.  Further north five Mute Swans and well out in front of at least a dozen Great Crested Grebe.  Also present a number of Rock Doves and passing Woodpigeons.

On my back to Warsash, arriving about 12.40, I stopped for a few minutes at nearby Sophie's Pond and managed to find a Moorhen hiding in the edges along with the resident pair of Mute Swans and a handful of Mallard, so giving a final total of 39 species for the morning.

Pair of Mallards Anas platyrhynchos (drake on the right)

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Eider, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Redwing, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

Turnstones with a Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

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New Forest Birding

 Sunday 1 February

A wet start to the day when I set off for the New Forest with birding friend Richard Osborn at 830.  Continuing rain until we reached Normandy Marsh when the rain eased up and finally stopped as we pulled up alongside the gate at the last bend in Normandy Lane.  Approaching the final destination we had already recorded Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Blue Tit and Carrion Crow.  In the penultimate field before the marsh, we came across a field holding very many Canada Geese, a  dozen Curlew, couple of Pied Wagtails, Herring Gull and a Pheasant.

Avocets Recurvirstra avosetta

Not only dry but even some sunshine as we started our walk along the side of Acre Pond where we recorded a number of Redshank, single Greenshank, Mallards, Cormorant and a Little Egret.  A couple of Great Tit in the trees and a half-dozen House Sparrows foraging on the weeds in the neighbouring ditch.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Once on the sea wall around Normandy Lagoon we were able to spend some time finding the great variety of species including very many Lapwing, Teal, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Shelduck and Tufted Duck. Almost a score of Avocet and in the distance we could make out five Spoonbill and a few Cormorants.  Hidden on the far side a lone Heron and then a pair of Mute Swans flew over.  However, our first sighting, immediately below us excluding the Little Egret, was a Meadow Pipit and hen, just to our right, a female Reed Bunting.

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

Moving on down to the outer wall we were able to locate a Great Crested Grebe on the Solent and a resting Great Black-backed Gull on the outermost island with more Oystercatchers and Cormorants.

Back on the lagoon Richard managed to find the lone Little Grebe as we made our way back and below us a handful of Turnstone.  before eventually coming across the male Stonechat we spent some time admiring the resting flock of over a thousand Dunlin and also accompanied by scores of Ringed Plovers.  Even a single Greenshank and a few Redshanks.  And walking the middle grassy island a couple of Pied Wagtails.

Female Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Passing back by Acre Pond to the car, where we found a couple of Blue Tits, a Heron posing near the path before moving slightly further away as we approached.  And so on with the short drive round to Pennington Marsh, having first enjoyed a short coffee break.

Heron Ardea cinerea

Approaching the marsh proper a Jay crossed the road in front of us and then a short stop to check the small flock of Canada Geese in the field to our right where we also found a single White-fronted Goose.  Also noted the first of the Carrion Crows. Stopping at the gate on the last bend in Pennington Lane chance to take note of the hundreds of Lapwing roosting in the flooded meadow.  A trio of Magpies to our left but checking the water many Wigeon along with Shoveler, Teal, and Mallard.  A couple of Shelduck further out and as a large of flock of Starlings arrived to join the feeding Lapwings then a chance to take a look at the small islands in front of us.  Not only Lapwing but behind a handful of Pintail we located 33 Golden Plover.  On the far side a resting Buzzard, until it decided it was time to take a leisurely flight along the trees at the back before disappearing behind them.

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Moving on down to the car park at the ned of the lane we then checked the fields adjacent to the caravan site and found a large flock of roosting Oystercatchers along with a few Curlew, and a lone Brent Goose. Whist there a chance to check the nearby fresh water lake where we found we found a single Herring Gull and scores of Coots on the far bank.  Just as we were departing a single Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over the water.

Time to start the walk across the grass towards Fishtail Lagoon accompanied by sightings of Blackbirds and Robins. But noting the mass of Lapwing in the air to our right to turn to discover the reason. Soon it became obvious as we saw a pair of Carrion Crows harry the passing Raven until the latter decided it was time to take rest at the top of a distant large tree.

Onwards down towards the lagoon with many Wigeon, Shoveler and Teal on show as well as at least three Greylag and many Canada Geese.  Scores of resting Shelduck and Black-headed Gulls on the dividing strips across the water.  Once on the bottom path alongside the water we watched a single Great Black-backed Gull glide over us and land at the water's edge but then discovered the forward part of the path was completely flooded following all the present and recent rain so we had to withdraw our steps.

Then came a walk across the grass overlooking Butts Lagoon , where we noted more Coots on the water and to our right a lovely Song Thrush.  Hardly further on than in the bushes and hedges below next to the water we found another Song Thrush and a pair of Greenfinches. More Robins and a Dunnock as we made our way to the track leading down to Pennington Lagoon but, again, the flooded path made us turn round and head back towards the car.  A Little Egret flew by and stopping at the small pools on the way back we found more Canada Geese plus Shelduck, Wigeon, Curlew and a Moorhen. All packed away and ready to start on the return journey when a Heron flew over and the rain returned, albeit we had had dry, and often sunny, weather for the past three and a half hours. Good birding in good company.

Dunlin Calidris alpina with the odd Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula (at very top)

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, White-fronted Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Back-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting.

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria with Pintail Anas acuta (front) and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Pintail Anas acuta with lone Brent Goose Branta bernicla

Redshank Tringa totanus

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus (Note Curlews at front)

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