Big Bird Day"

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Saturday 10 October

Saturday 10 October when members of eBird set out to see who can record the highest number of species in one day, either individually or as a member of a team.  Having lived in Spain for 20 years until recently, I had the pleasure and privilege of being invited to join my birding friends from Andalusia.  This meant that the provinces of Malaga, Cadiz and Granada were covered along with my contribution from the south of England.  Meanwhile, we were also joined by two friends from Sweden and Scotland respectively.  At the end of the day it looks like we managed a final total of 188.

My contribution included visiting sites east and west of Warsash. Starting at Titchfield shore at the mouth of the river Meon, arriving at 7.50 I then moved on to Farlington Marshes. Once completed, it was the westward journey to Fishlake Meadows in Romsey followed by Eyeworth Pond in Fritham. My final destination was Blashford Lakes, a little north of Ringwood in the New Forest.

13 resting Little Egrets Egretta garzetta and a lone Grey Heron Ardea cinerea at Farlington Marshes

As soon as at Titchfield, having passed a couple of Blackbirds as I rounded the last corner, Turnstones on the shore with Ringed Plovers and a flock of eighteen newly-arrived Brent Geese. Also present Black-headed and Herring Gulls before moving on to the observation area overlooking the Meon.  Lots of Lapwing on the island plus a Great Black-backed Gull with nearby Mallard and Shoveler and at least five Little Egrets.  A couple of Glossy Ibis in the water next to the island and Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks on the far bank.  Apart from the scores of Coot, the most populous duck was the Gadwall.  Moving on to the bridge I noted the single Little Grebe and then past the harbour with its Mallards and Mute Swan family to check the main shore where I found Oystercatchers.  Both Woodpigeon and a Rock Dove at the side of the road and Carrion Crows and Magpie overflying.  In front of me both Robin and Cetti's Warbler recorded.

I was at Farlington Marsh by 8.50 and straight to the old barn to check the reed bed for Bearded Tits, but not before a quick look over the hedge to check the top of the empty harbour.  On the walk down the track both Stonechat and Blackcap seen.  Canada Geese, Herring and Black-headed Gulls, Mallard and Little Egret noted before seeing the flock of feeding Brents Geese.  Once at the reed bed the sight of a flock of eleven Bearded Tits on the road side of the track and constantly on the move with fifteen being the highest in flight count.  In the field next to the reedbed at least two Cattle Egrets in with the beasts.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Back to the small lagoon where I found Shoveler, Coot and Redshank. Cetti's Warblers constantly calling and a Little Grebe at the back of the water as a number of Carrion Crows flew across the area.  next the walk alongside the river and back to the sea wall.  Stopping at the bench I noted the scores, probably hundreds, of resting teal along with scores of Canada Geese and well over 100 Redshank and a Greenshank.  A Heron was resting in the reeds opposite and around me at least a dozen wandering Moorhens.  A large flock of Starlings flew over and Robins appeared in the nearby trees. A little further on I found a dozen Shelduck and the early Wigeons plus another Heron.  In amongst the Teal and Wigeon I was also able to identify a number of Pintail.

Resting mixed flock of Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa (mainly) and Redshanks Tringa totanus

Once up on the sea wall and at the the observation area I could see more teal on the lake along with a very large mixed flock of Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks.  Even another Greenshank and a couple of Curlew Sandpipers.  Eighteen Shelduck out on the water and off to the far left, sheltering below the bushy bank, thirteen Little Egrets and a solitary Heron.  At the back of the water a couple of Oystercatchers and then the arrival of six Meadow Pipits to the path behind me.  However, my attention was drawn to the single Barnacle Goose swimming towards a half-dozen Canada Geese.  The first, and only, Cormorant of the day so far flew across the water.  below me a number of resting Teal and nearby a few more Pintail.  Way out in the harbour with high tide approaching  a pair of Mute Swans.  Before heading back to the car I checked the grassy are between the trees next to the trees just inside the gate and pleased to see the wanted Green Woodpecker.

Mainly Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Now came the longer drive westwards to the New Forest with a first stop at Fishlake Meadows in Romsey, passing a field of Rooks near North Baddesley, but still on site by 11.30.  A walk down the canal path produced Chaffinch, Wren, many Cetti's Warblers, Robin, and Great and Long-tailed Tits.  Looking across to the water I could see both Mute Swans and a Little Egret plus unidentified ducks. The return walk and onwards to the road to visit the observation area overlooking the main water also produced Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackbird and more Long-tailed Tits.  Once at the roadside viewpoint lots of Mute Swans plus Great crested Grebe, Mallard, Gadwall and Herring, Black-headed and a single Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Takin the cross country route to Fritham I saw a Jay fly up into a nearby tree as I passed through Bramshaw and was soon at Eyeworth Pond.  All looked very quiet with just a few Mallard and a trio of Moorhen on the water but as the cars departed the Blue Tits, Dunnock and Chaffinches began to appear on the track near the gate in search of food and were soon joined by a Nuthatch. As I left the pond and took the narrow lane up to the main road I cam across a resting Buzzard atop a pylon followed by Magpie and then a half-dozen Linnets and a Pied Wagtail.

The final site of the day was Blashford Lakes and I took the scenic drive through the forest via Ibsley passing a flock of Starlings and a few Carrion Crow as I approached the car park outside the Tern Hide. A very busy Ibsley Water confronted me; full of Coot and Tufted Duck along with many Great Crested Grebes.  Near the edges a few Mallard with many Mute Swans at the back with one island holding over sixty resting Cormorant and another with over forty Egyptian Geese.  Lots of gulls present; mainly Herring but also Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls. Off to the distant right and a Great White Egret at the water's edge.  A couple of Woodpigeon on the bank and then I was off to the main reserve.

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

First to the Ivy North Hide where I found mainly Gadwall and Teal with a few Wigeon.  Nothing at the Woodside Hide but the nearby tree held a foraging Tree-creeper.  walking on down to the Ivy South Hide a Jay in the bushes to my left and then both Blue Tit and Goldcrest.  Once arrived more Gadwall, Coot and a Moorhen on the water and resting Cormorants atop the nearby trees.  No Firecrests as I checked the trees near the car park  but a second Green Woodpecker for the day put in an appearance.  Them, as I set out for home, a small flock of Rooks near their traditional rookery in the adjacent trees.

Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Great White Egret, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Tree-creeper, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Linnet.

Teal Anas crecca (in water) with resting Black-tailed Godwits

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Titchfield Haven

Thursday 8 October

Booked to visit the theatre in Southampton this afternoon so just time for nearly morning visit to Titchfield to check the Meon shore, noting the Blackbird at the side of the road as I reached the shore, before spending time first on the eastern boardwalk side followed by the Meon Hide overlooking the scrapes.  With the tide well in and approaching the high water mark, a score or more Turnstone resting on the furthermost eastern groin from the roadside car park along with a single Ringed Plover on the shingle beach.

Resting Turnstones Arenaria interpres

Then it was on the observation area overlooking the lower river with a dozen Lapwing resting on the island along with a few Black-headed Gulls and nearby Mallards and Shovelers.  Foraging at the western end of the island a single Glossy Ibis.  In the general are six Little Egrets, and two more further up river, along with over thirty Coot.  At the back a Grey Heron and, again, two more further up river.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

The far banks produced two Black-tailed Godwits but no other waders.  However, a Moorhen put in an appearance as a Mute Swan drifted into view.  As I walked towards the road bridge I noticed a single Snipe on the far bank and both Woodpigeon and Carrion Crow flew over. Looking down at the river itself found a pair of Little Grebe just as a Cormorant flew in to take rest on the island.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Walking up to the Meadow Hide I was able to record Cetti's Warbler and Robin and once n the hide a dozen Canada Geese on the river and a couple of Grey Herons.  A Magpie flew across the meadow and then I was made aware of the dozen or more Barn Swallows flying around above the tree tops.  Also seen in the meadow a handful of Meadow Pipits and three Stonechats.  Also noted the number of Mallard and a few Gadwall on the river.

Leaving the hide to make my way to the Knights Bank Hide a managed to record a couple of Linnet and a number of Chiffchaff and once settled noted the distant Herring Gulls on the far river along with a few more Canada Geese. A Stock Dove came to rest on the wooden rail in front of the hide and later a couple of Woodpigeons with Carrion Crows moving across the general area.  Lovely to see the trio of departing Egyptian Geese then a circling Marsh Harrier above to the trees to the front right.

Making my way back to the main road Great Tits to my left as I continued on to the car a flock of Starling flew over the road.  Nothing to be seen on the choppy water of the Solent so straight to the Meon Hide where I found the water looking quite deserted and with only a dozen Canada Geese present.  Still very many Teal but nearly all resting on the banks or edges with just a few on the open water.  No Snipe seen (and the nearby tall grasses recently trimmed back) but I did note a couple of Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits.  On the other hand, there were scores of Lapwings resting on the nearer islands and at the very back. It took some searching but I also found a number of Oystercatchers sheltering among the resting Lapwings and Little Egrets with three more Grey Herons at the back of the scrape.

So, all concluded and free parking time expired I made my way back to Warsash noting the resident Jackdaws on the roof tops as I passed through the western outskirts of Titchfield.

Island refuge for Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus and Shoveler Anas clypeata with the Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (lower left)

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet.

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 7 October       

All quiet on the Almeria front today with Dave away and just Kevin and Trevor able to make it my favourite Almeria site, Cabo de Gata.  Not too many species recorded but they did find the local speciality, Trumpeter Finch.  And still a Red-rumped Swallow in the area, albeit thy had to wait until the end of the visit to record.

Cabo de Gata:  07th October

I was at the Lay-by Hide by about 9a.m., having driven down by car, the campervan still being off

the road waiting for a new clutch.  I had already logged Collared Dove and House Sparrow as I

drove through Pujaire.  At the lay-by I added Greater Flamingo, Avocet, Black-headed Gull, Black-

winged Stilt, Yellow-legged Gull, Spoonbill (a group of 11), Slender-billed Gull, Little Egret, Dunlin,

Mallard, Ringed Plover and Redshank.

Trevor arrived, having been delayed by roadworks.  We increased the list with Spotless

Starling, Sardinian Warbler, Jackdaw and, on the ridge over towards the village, a Northern

Wheatear.  Nigel sent me an apologetic email to say that, for the first time ever, his alarm clock

had failed him.  This was such a predictable excuse for a no-show that it just had to be entirely

genuine.  Sorry you couldn’t be with us Nigel: see you next week!

After coffee we drove to the Second Hide.  A sea-watch produced four distant and

distinctive birds, then another the same, much closer in, giving good views: Scopoli’s Shearwaters.

On the walk to and from the hide we added Thekla Lark and Barn Swallow but nothing new from

the hide itself.  I told Trevor I was going to motor slowly towards the Original Hide, scanning the

low wooden fences.  This paid off.  I found a Trumpeter Finch and Trevor saw a couple more.

Trumpeter Finch (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

At the Original Hide the water level was high so waders were conspicuous by their absence.

Through the ‘scope I found Black-necked Grebes in their favoured area, as well as a group of

Shelduck on the far shore.  Trevor found an Iberian Shrike showing very well on a prominent bush

close to the hide.  The lagoon to the right held a Lesser Black-backed Gull and, on the long rocky

causeway, after prolonged study, I was 99% sure I had a row of Audouin’s Gulls with four

Sandwich Terns interspersed.  We called it a day at that as Trevor had to go to Almería airport.  As I

began my drive home a single Red-rumped Swallow flew over, final bird of the day.  Just 29 species

but a very enjoyable morning’s birding.

Kevin

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Titchfield Haven and Brownich Farms

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Monday 5 October

Dental appointment at 9.10 this morning but seen and finished with by the same time so able to drive down to Titchfield Haven and enter the Nature Reserve by 9.40. From the Meon Hide all looked relatively calm with out the hundreds of Canada Geese with just three on the site.  On the other hand, no shortage of Lapwing, Teal and Black-tailed Godwits.  Also present six Snipe, and a few Redshank.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Further back a trio of resting Little Egrets with a good number of Oystercatchers and in the distance a good number of both Carrion Crows and Moorhens.  Off to my right three Stonechats in the reeds along with a Cetti's Warbler.  A Heron was resting at the back.  Lovey to see the Marsh Harrier fly over the scrape, no doubt in search of its breakfast.

Little Egrets Egretta garzetta with Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus and singe Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Ere long I made my exit to check the Solent from the roadside car park and noted the twenty-one Eider Ducks calmly making their way northwards in a long line.  Just to the right on a wide spit a number of resting gulls and over a score of Oystercatchers included a single Great Black-backed Gull.

Moving to the eastern end of the cat park I could see many Mallards in the harbour along with the pen Mutes Swan and her remaining cygnet with the cob in the lagoon on the other side of the road.  On the beach a half-dozen resting Ringed Plovers and a couple of Turnstone.

Crossing the road to check the lagoon from both the observation area and beach I noted many Black-headed Gulls plus a quartet of Cormorants and a single Little Grebe.  A few Shoveler and Mallards also present plus very many Coot.  A Kingfish made a speedy departure in a flash of blue as it exited the lagoon for the reserve proper.  In the bushes near the roadside observation point a Robin and many Chiffchaff and Long-tailed Tits.  Before leaving the area both Magpie and Woodpigeon were seen.

With no need to rush home I decided to park the car just outside the are in the Thatchers Copse car park and then walked through the woods and lane down to Brownich Pond and back.  Many of the smaller birds, including Robin and Long-tailed Tit were seen again but I also had a quartet of House Sparrows on the wires and a cock Pheasant nearby. 

Once at the pond a Mute Swan along with both Mallard and Moorhen and in the trees at the edges Great Tit, Blackbird and more Long-tailed Tits.  As I tarted the return journey I stopped at the farm building to note the half-dozen Chaffinches and near the water trough no less than 26 Collared Doves.

Arriving back at the car I had a nearby Wren then approaching Titchfield at the top of Meon Road a number of Rooks in the recently harrowed field and both Jackdaws and Starling on the roof tops as I turned left towards Warsash.

Gadwall Anas strepera with 4 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Eider, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Wren, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch. 

Lapwing Island!

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

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Farlington Marsh and Hayling Island

Female Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus

Sunday 4 October 

Very misty as I set off but arriving at Farlington Marshes at 9am the mist had cleared giving a very warm and sunny start to the day.  Straight to the old barn and the reedbed where I quickly found Robin and many Chiffchaff before enjoying the sight of both male and female Bearded Tits.   A female Reed Bunting arrived behind me and then the lagoon presented a half-dozen Shoveler plus a number of mallards and Canada Geese plus Moorhens and a few Coot.  In the field next to the reedbed  six Cattle Egrets joined the beast and present good, but distant, views.

Male Bearded Tits Panurus biarmicus

Moving on and walking the length of the river to the sea wall I observed the very many Teal plus Mallards, Gadwall, Wigeon and Pintails.  Other than a few Lapwing no waders in site but more Moorhens and Coots along with both both Black-headed (mainly) and Herring Gulls.  On the grassy path ahead of me the second cock Pheasant seen this morning.  Lots of Robins and Cetti's Warblers calling as I walked along plus a few Woodpigeon and Carrion Crows.  A pair of Linnets, a Dunnock and more Magpies at the seat and a Grey Heron was hiding in a woody corner.

Cock Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Once on the sea wall chance to scope the extensive mud flats which provided many Black-headed and a number of Herring Gulls.  Also, well away, at least eighty Redshank in a feeding group and three Curlews.  A couple of Cormorant were resting in one of the empty channels.  Slightly nearer to me a single Bar-tailed Godwit and a couple of Little Egrets.

Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis

On the lake from the observation area a number of both Shelduck and Lapwing.  However, in the far left bay a lone Little Stint feeding next to ne of the Shelduck. More Coots and Teal nearer to the me.  A large flock of Starling was moving around the distant meadow near many Canada Geese.  Away to the right of me on the fence a resting female Kestrel and at least six feeding Meadow Pipits on the nearby ground.  Back to the car and time to mov on to Hayling Island but as I reached end of the narrow lane next to the exit, I looked to my left, stopped, and admired the tightly packed two hundred Black-tailed Godwits.

Distant Shelduck Tadorna tadorna with Little Stint Calidris minuta to its left

I found the last space in the full car park upon arriving at Hayling Island just after 11 o'clock but found very few birds.  Maybe three Black-headed Gulls along with single Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Little Egret in the empty, muddy bay then off to the Billy Track to check both sea and oyster beds. A few gulls on the coast but very little else recorded and not a single Oystercatcher to be seen.  On the other hand I did find a single Grey Plover.

Reaching the main breeding lake the muddy expanse to the right held three Curlews and Grey Heron and a few Starlings had been seen moving around above the bushes.  Both Magpies and Woodpigeon noted and on the walk back along the main trail I came across a couple of House Sparrows.  Once back at the car park a Dunlin had arrived at the water's edge and as I made my way out of the car park a flcok of twenty-five Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) flew across the road.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Little Stint, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Dunnock, Robin, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet, House Sparrow, Reed Bunting.

Female Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus

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Titchfield Haven

Thursday 1 October

Double visit to Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve this morning.  First arrival for forty minutes before the parking charges commence at 10 then back to Lockswood Health Centre for a blood test.  Returning to the site just after 11, the low tide was now approaching the high water mark and the next couple of hours was spent inside the nature reserve.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

The initial visit was the most impressive with 28 species recorded including a range of ducks and waders. As soon as out of the car a half-dozen Sanderling on the shore along with a few Turnstone and a Black-headed Gull.  Heading off to the observation area on the main road plenty of ducks to be recorded including Shoveler, Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon and Teal plus many Coots and a trio of Cormorants.  On the island over a dozen Lapwing and at the near edge a foraging Glossy Ibis.  

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus on the island

On the far side the waders.  Mainly Black-tailed Godwits but also a few Redshank. A Water Rail was leisurely walking along the edge passing a number of Moorhen on its wat eastwards.  A Mute Swan was slowly making its way westwards.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Crossing the road to the harbour itself I found forty plus resting Mallard along with the pen Mute Swan and her remaining cygnet.  Just a few Turnstones to be seen.  Out on the empty shore at the mouth of the river many Black-headed and Herring Gulls but I also managed to find a single Mediterranean Gull.  Waders included a few Ringed Plovers, the bulk of the Turnstone flock and further out many Oystercatchers.  Also noted a couple of Little Egret and further out on the sea five Eider Ducks.

Returning to the car a look over the bridge produced a Little Grebe and also the score of Canada Geese on the upper part of the river.  Also here a number of Gadwall and more Coots.  A Kestrel flew over me an away to the inland reserve and both Magpie and Woodpigeon also recorded.

Lagoon at the mouth of the River Meon with its island

Time for the birding interruption but once back straight to the Meon Hide to check the scrapes, having had a Jay fly cross the road just as I approached the site. Apart from the hundreds of Canada Geese and scores of both Teal and Black-tailed Godwits, not a lot else on offer and area looked very quiet compared with last week.

South Scrape from the Meon Hide

In front of me two resting Snipe on the small island and Redshanks both to the left and right.  At least ten Little Egrets on the islands towards the back of the scrape and many foraging Moorhen along with a few Carrion Crows.  Just a handful of Mallards near the right-hand bank but at the back I did find a lone Greylag amongst the many Canada Geese.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

With so little about I left the site and moved over the bridge to take the boardwalk to the eastern side of the reserve.  Making my way down to the Meadow Hide I encountered both Great Tit and Robin and from the hide many Canada Geese on the river and a Grey Heron in the distant tree, quickly followed by an arriving individual who decided to rest on the fence post immediately in front of me.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Moving on to the end of the trail at the Knights Bank Hide much the same on view as from the previous hide.  However, searching the Canada Geese on the river I did find at least four Greylag Geese and a pair of Tufted Duck.  Eventually time to call it a day and on my return walk to the car park I recorded a Cetti's Warbler but the final birds of the morning, as I passed through Titchfield itself, was a small party of Rock Doves on roofs.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Eider Duck, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Robin, Cetti's Warbler, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (right) with Glossy Ibis

Little Egrets Egretta garzetta

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Normandy and Pennington Marshes

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla

Wednesday 30 September

A light overnight rain but lovely and sunny for my morning visit to Normandy Lagoon and Pennington marsh, albeit a little on the breezy side.  Arriving at Normandy Lagoon just after 10am I was greeted by both Robin and Chiffchaff and then the walk down to the sea wall.  Amazed to find, at first sight, that the whole area seemed devoid of bird life so a question of using the scope to check the back of the water.  A lone Cormorant and a couple of Oystercatchers then a single Redshank on the near shore off to my right.  A Woodpigeon flew over as I made my way to the outer wall to have the strong, bright sun behind me.

As a Curlew departed overhead and I had chance to check the larger islands where I did find many resting Ringed Plovers with a number of Dunlin.  The more I scoped, the more I found so quite so a large mixed flock.  Just a couple of Black-headed Gulls about but moving further along more resting, and well concealed, birds were found. A distant Greenshank, more Redshanks and then the first of five Little Egrets.

Knot Calidris canutus

As I walked to the far end a couple of Grey Herons flew in and a large flock of Starlings and more Oystercatchers were noted on the dry land.  At the far end of the lagoon before starting my return walk I came across a resting flock of 140 Teal along, twelve Knot, a Little Egret and a few more Redshanks.  Across the open water towards the Lymington river a score of Grey Plovers resting on the island shore.  In the distant field in front of the trees a couple of Carrion Crows and a single Magpie.  Even a distant Herring Gull on the back water.

Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula with a few Dunlin Calidris alpina

Taking the lower path I was able to get a closer look at the Ringed Plovers and Dunlin which had now been joined by a Greenshank.  A birder in front of me pointed out the resting Ruff on island "B" and I also noted the wandering Pied Wagtail whilst immediately in front of me a single Meadow Pipit was disturbed by a landing Black-headed Gull.  Also present was a single Turnstone.

Ruff  Philomachus pugnax

Walking back alongside the western end of the lagoon a couple of Stonechats on the fence and a dozen Canada Geese had arrived at the back of the water. A lone Mallard was on Acre Pond along with five Little Egrets and as I wake back along the road to the car I encountered both Blackbird and Dunnock followed by a lone Chaffinch.

Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula

Moving on to nearby Pennington Marshes I recorded both Robin and Woodpigeon as I approached the large meadow followed by a score or more Carrion Crows and a flock of Starlings.  At the car park a couple of Goldfinches and half-dozen House Sparrows were bathing and drinking for a large puddle at the side of the road. Just as well a trio of Stonechats were on the bushes at the start of the walk as not another bird was seen until I reached the path alongside the stream between Butts and Fishtail lagoons.  here I was delighted to see a Bearded Tit flit across the top of the reeds at the edge of Butts Lagoon.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla

Having ben told where the visiting scarcity had just been seen, I made my way to the far, western end of Fishtail Lagoon where I found a few Ringed Plovers and amongst the twenty Dunlin the long-staying Semipalmated Sandpiper, now present for almost a week.  Much time spent trying to find the Semipalmated Sandpiper and even more difficult trying to see the bird against the muddy backdrop when trying to photograph the bird from the the sea wall.  As a bonus a flock of thirty Golden Plover appeared overhead and even landed for a very short time on the drier land behind the Dunlin.

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

When I finally departed to walk back to Butts lagoon a couple of Black-headed Gulls had arrived on what what little water there was along with a air of mallards.  Just the one Redshank on Butts lagoon but as I approached the "pier" to turn inland and back towards the car about twenty Turnstones foraging on the small area of exposed beach.  Making my ay inland I was able to record Cetti's Warbler and Wren and looking westwards noted the large flocks of Canada Geese heading inland whilst a flock of about fifty Herring Gulls made their way overhead in the opposite direction.  Three Magpies were in the field to my right with the cattle and the final bird of the morning was the single Coot I could make out on the distant fresh water lake.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

All in all, despite the lack of birds, a most enjoyable and rewarding visit.

Resting Teal Anas crecca

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mallard, Teal, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Semipalmated Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Ruff, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Little Egret Egretta garzetta with Ruff  Philomachus pugnax (centre right)

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla

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