Titchfield Haven

Goosander Mergus merganser

Sunday 16 August

Off nice and early to call in at the old cemetery for St Edmunds Church in Crofton, Stubbington at 7.30 for thirty minutes.  No sign of the recent Spotted and Pied Flycatchers but did come across a Green Woodpecker along with Blackbird, Robin and Blue Tit.  Then it was on down to the Meon shore at Hillhead for 50 minutes before spending an hour in Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve.

Arriving in the shore at 8.20 with the ide well out I was amazed to count at least 220 Common Terns on the shore line along with a scattering of both Herring and Black-headed Gulls along with a pair of Great Black-backed Gulls.  Also found near by a dozen Sanderling, a handful of Redshank and a small number of Oystercatchers.  Even a single Little Egret and a lone Starling.

In the Meon harbour itself thirty Mallard a few Black-headed Gulls and a lone, immature male Goosander.

Goosander Mergus merganser

Back to the roadside viewing point and the lake also held  more then a score of Common Terns along with a small number of Black-headed Gulls, a Moorhen, seven Coot and a few Mallards. A couple of Cormorant flew over.

Common Terns Sterna hirundo

Time to enter the reserve and spend just about an hour on the Meon Hide.  Until I left and saw the arrival overhead of maybe 60 Canada Geese, just a half-dozen on the islands in the water.  On the other hand, the number of Common Terns with well-grown youngsters must have totalled more then fifty and one pair still feeding four very small fluffy chicks. On that far island also seven Avocets making  a total of ten on the water along with five Shelduck. And many more Gadwalls in sight this morning.

Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta (left) with Common Terns Sterna hirundo (front) and Canada Geese Branta canadensis

A steady movement of Moorhens and on the small island immediately on front of the hide the two well-grown juvenile Common Terns being fed by parents and a pair of Common Sandpipers.

Common Sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos

At the back of the water, in addition to the single Heron to the right another eight resting on the dried lake behind along with  Lapwing.  Nearby three Black-tailed Godwits and resting on the bank at the very far back of the water what looked like a Black Tern.  Photos taken and whilst the bird was smaller then the young Mallard nearby.  Once the photos were enlarged the bird looks more duck than Tern so necessary to seek some advice to identify the bird.

Four of the nine Grey Herons Ardea cinerea

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Goosander, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Male Goosander Mergus merganser

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Common Terns Sterna hirundo

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Titchfield Haven

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Friday 14 August

Collected Richard Osman at 8.15 then straight to the Meon mouth at Hill Head to check and visit Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve.  Arriving twenty minutes later we first checked the lake from the roadside viewing point before walking on the harbour and sailing club to check the Solent itself before returning to enter the reserve itself.  Already very warm and sunny so will only be staying until just after 10.30.

Also the first visit to Titchfield Haven Reserve this year where we found the water in front of the Meon Hide awash with bird life, mainly Canada Geese and Common Terns but also the close Common Sandpiper and a lone Gadwall amongst the Mallards.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Lots of resting Common Terns on the lake plus a number of Black-headed Gulls and, on the water, a dozen or so Mallard.  On the far bank a handful of Redshank and couple of Moorhen plus a juvenile Water Rail and a lone Lapwing. Making our way to the harbour more Black-headed Gulls and Mallards and then, from the sailing club, lots of Herring Gulls along with a single great Black-backed Gull and a small number of Turnstone.  Richard noticed the overflying Cormorant.  Working our way back to the car and then on the nature reserve entrance we found a Goosander fishing in the harbour.

Some of the many Common Terns Sterna hirundo found on the roadside lake

Once in the reserve straight to the Meon Hide where we spent much time checking the mass of birds present.  Scores of Canada Geese and Common Terns along with plenty of Black-headed Gulls.  The small island immediately in front of the hide held a pair of juvenile Common Terns still being fed by both parents and a single Common Sandpiper.  A second sandpiper was found on the island beyond.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Towards the back on the remaining islands and far shore more of the same but also a single Black-tailed Godwit, a couple of Oystercatchers and three Grey Herons.  But centre water towards the back we also found a quartet of Avocet.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Eventually we left the hide and made our way down the western side to the Pumfrett Hide we came across both Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff and from the hide views of the back of the Meon water with a half-dozen Black-tailed Godwits, the Oystercatchers and Common Terns.  Also closer views of the Herons and another along with three Lapwing and a handful of resting Black-headed Gulls and the dried up lake to our left.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea and so many Common Terns Sterna hirundo

Working our way back towards Titchfield and Richard's home, as expected, we came across the Jackdaws near the cemetery in Posbrook Lane.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Goosander, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Water Rail, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Mainly Canada Geese Branta canadensis accompanied by Common Terns Sterna hirundo with a lone Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta in the foreground right.

Titchfield Haven from the Meon Hide

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Normandy and Oxey Lagoon

Sunday 9 August

Going to be another hot day with clear blue skies and no breeze as I drove through the New Forest to meet up with the HOS group, led by In packer, for our walk around Oxey and Normandy Marshes.  Sixteen of us set off for an enjoyable morning despite there being a distinct lack of birds in general following the on-going drought in the south of England.  Before setting off, however, we did manage to record Magpie, Dunnock, Robin and Carrion Crow and making our way through the trees beyond the sailing club added Great Tit and Little Egret along with the first Woodpigeon.

Cutting across the dried out march to the sea wall we came across both Whitethroat and Meadow Pipit along with the first Pied Wagtails amongst the grazing ponies.  A large, eighty plus, flock of Starlings was feeding on the far bushes which, in turn, drew our attention to the lone Lapwing and a single Blackbird at  the far side of the field.  A Great Black-backed Gull flew over whilst being harried by a single Black-headed Gull.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Up on the sea wall and making our way to Oxey Lagoon a lone Cormorant flying over the water and the far island both a Curlew and two Redshanks.  And as we rounded the bend to approach Acre Pond the gathered resting flock of Black-headed also produced a couple of Mediterranean Gulls and at the back, almost hidden by the gulls, a pair of Oystercatchers.

Next it was on to Normandy Lagoon where stopping as soon as we reached the water we could see Cormorants on the far island along with a single Herring Gull. A Stonechat briefly alighted onto the boundary fence and more Little Egrets to be seen plus Redshanks.  A Common Sandpiper crossed the water to land on the edge below us giving good views and moving to the far end of the wall we were able to pick out a couple of Ringed Plovers and at least six Dunlin.  On the water itself a feeding Little Grebe.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Having finished my picnic lunch it was time for me to save my energy and make my way back to the car.  Passing the lagoon on my right a couple of House Sparrows in the bushes and a couple of Black-tailed Godwits flew past low over the water.  Above the two of us a passing Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) being harassed by three gulls.  Finally, walking past the garden paddock immediately before Acre Pond a trio of Barn Swallows above us.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mallard, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Meadow Lark, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Whitethroat, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow.

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Workmans lane, Warsaah and Titchfield Haven

Saturday 8 August 

A very early start this morning saw me parking the car at the top of Wormans Lane at 6.30. A Blackbird was working the neighbours garden and walking down the lane I soon came across Great Tit, Robin  and Chiffchaff.

Just the one Carrion Crow in the horse field and as I reached the donkey paddock a singe magpie flew away and in the bushes found both Whitethroat and Greenfinch.  On the back fence opposite a trio of Dunnock and a Stonechat.  Walking to the end of the first path I came across a lone Rook and on the return walk back to the road added four more Magpies, two Woodpigeon and a couple of Carrion Crows.

Rook Corvus frugilegus

At the Meon Shore at Titchfield Haven by 7.40 but very little about albeit a Common Tern resting atop a large buoy just off shore at almost full tide.  Waking to the roadside viewing point a number of both Mallards and Coots on the lake along with a lone Little Egret and a handful of Black-headed Gulls.  However, on the island itself, and a few in the air, no less than 28 Common Terns including many juveniles.  A Woodpigeon flew over and a trio of Cormorants came to rest and sunbathe.

Common Terns Sterna hirundo

Nothing to be seen from the sailing club on the sea apart from a single Black-headed Gull but in the harbour a handful more along with eight Turnstone and a few Mallard.  From the road bridge and looking up river into the nature reserve I could see another four Little Egrets resting in a small, bare tree some distance away.  Then, as I was leaving, a Moorhen in the canal and passing through Titchfield on the way home a few Jackdaw on the roofs.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Birds seen:

Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Greenfinch.

Mallards Anas platyrhynchos on the water with Common Terns and Coots Fulica atra on the island

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Hayling Island and Farlington Marsh

Thursday 6 August 

The inland pool at the start of the trail with its Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Another very warm start to the day with mainly clear blue sky and very little cloud but a rather strong breeze as I arrived at the top car park on Hayling Island to walk the "Billy Trail" past the oyster beds at a almost 1030 o coincide with the low tide mark. Lots of people about and the car park full as I set off but very little to be seen.  A number of Black-headed Gulls at the water's edge in the harbour but once on the sea wall a good number on the same plus a few Herring Gulls on the shore line of the main Langstone Harbour.  Meanwhile, on the inner pool at the start of the Billy Line trail nineteen Black-tailed Godwits and looking back towards the car park I managed to also pick out a couple of Curlew and a single Little Egret.

lack-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

A Woodpigeon flew across as I made my way down the rail and then took the narrow path past the former oyster beds.  A pair of Oystercatchers were noted in the first, empty bed along with a handful of Black-headed Gulls and a single fishing Common Tern.  Making my way past the beds a large flock of Starlings rose from behind the bushes.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

The penultimate bed produced a lone Heron and even a Carrion Crow flew across the path ahead of me.  Finally, arriving at the bay in front of the lower car park, the water's edge produced a group of seven resting Little Egrets but nothing else.  

However, when at the breeding colony all the Mediterranean Gulls had departed but there was still about a dozen Black-headed Gulls present and I counted a further six Common Terns.  It would appear that at least two pairs were still making use of the floating rafts.

Common Terns Sterna hirundo still using the nesting platform

I, therefore, took the higher path back towards the newly resurfaced trail and back to the car park but also recording both a single Blackbird and Magpie.  Once at the car park I noticed a pair of Mute Swans on the water below the road bridge so completing my visit.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Then followed the short drive back along the A27 to Farlington Marshes and a walk along the sea wall to the lake.  Making my way through the few trees I picked up a Woodpigeon and once on the sea wall three Carrion Crows plus scores of Black-headed and Herring Gulls out on the mud flats.  On the land side a Magpie flew away to the trees but nothing on the lake itself until I found the resting nineteen Shelduck on the far side.

Seven Canada Geese flew from the shore to the river behind me and scoping further down the river I found around 80 Canada Geese along with more gulls.  Deciding nothing more to see I decided to call it a day and as I turned to retrace my steps to the car park noticed the distant Little Egret out on the mud.

An empty oyster bed at low tide

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

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Weston Shore, Southampton

Monday 3 August 

Another war, sunny start to the day so a 9.10 morning visit to relatively nearby Weston Shore at the top of Southampton Water and next to the docks themselves.  No sooner parked in the southern, nearest, car park and a number of Rock Doves (Feral pigeons) resting on the fence in front and on the empty shore at low tide scores of resting Herring Gulls along with almost as many Carrion Crows. Lots more Carrion Crows on the higher shore to my left and in the neighbouring trees.

A few of the Herring Gulls Larus argentatus

Looking slightly to my right very many Black-headed Gulls as well and at the water's edge dozens of feeding Oystercatchers as well as gulls.  A Cormorant flew upstream towards the docks and out in mid-channel  pair of Great Crested Grebes.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta  (right) with Herring Gull (top centre) and 2 Black-headed Gulls

Moving on to the northern car park nearer the docks I had better views of the ten Little Egrets and then found eleven Curlew and a couple of Whimbrel.  In the trees on the other side of the road a couple of Woodpigeons.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Time to move home and travelling along the shore to the entrance to Netley's Victoria park I found resting Back-headed Gulls on the shingle shore along with a couple of Oystercatchers and a [air of Herring Gulls.  Across the road and a short visit to Sophie's Pond where there were resting Mallards and a trio of Moorhen.  Even a Magpie in the trees at the back. So, finally, a total of 15 species before heading back home.

Mallard Anas platyrhyynchos

Birds seen:

Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Whimbrel, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Carrion Crows Corvus corone with the Herring Gulls

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

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