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)

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world. 

Warsash and Solent Shore

Wednesday 28 January

A beautiful, sunny morning with next to no breeze and warming up as the morning progressed.  Time to tale along the shore from Warsash to the Meandering Pool off the Solent shore before returning three hour later having recorded 37 species including three for the year.  What really stood out was the number of Brent Geese, slightly lower than of late and the much reduced Wigeon flock in the Spit at the mouth of the Hamble River.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

No sooner past the harbour than the first Brent Geese along with Oystercatchers, Turnstone and the occasional Redshank.  Then came the first massed flock of Dunlin, hundreds of them, as the tide made its way out.  A couple of Herring and a single Great Black-backed as well as the many Black-headed Gulls.  Approaching the navigation pier a Woodpigeon flew over and a singe Meadow Pipit on the path in front.  Out on the water a couple of Shelduck as two Mallards flew away and a lone Little Egret foraging under the pier.

Hundreds of Dunlin Calidris alpina

Once past the pier and looking out over the now well exposed mud flats many more Brent Geese and Oystercatchers plus another large flock of hundreds of Dunlin.  However, this time there must have been a score of more Knot feeding/resting with the Dunlin.  Best of all there was a single Barnacle Goose in with a group up of Brent Geese near the mouth of the Spit.  Also present a singe Bar-tailed Godwit and out on the main water a pair of Mute Swans.  The first Carrion Crows of the morning along with a handful of Cormorant were seen on and over the Spit.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis with the Brents

Once at the Spit and looking back towards the Hamble River I found a pair of Pintail in with the Brent Geese and in front of me on the mud two score of more Ringed Plovers.  Even a Little Grebe put in an appearance.

Male Pintail Anas acuta

On down towards the Scrape and Blackbird, Robin and Great Tit were recorded as I walked through the small spinney.  Once at the Scrape itself very little bird life but with the two resting a Shelduck a male Goosander taking up the centre spot on the only island due to the excessive recent rain.  At the far end, on the pontoon, another Shelduck along with a couple of Black-headed but also a single Mediterranean Gull.

Male Goosander Mergus merganser between two Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Carrying on down past the gorse area to the Meandering Pool I noted five Skylarks singing and hovering on the grassy patch and upon arriving found a single Little Egret and five Snipe.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Time for the return walk and in the gorse area came across a pair of Linnet and more (or the same) Skylarks. A Moorhen in the canal alongside the Scrape and on the island the Goosander had finally lifted his head for a few seconds to prove who he was!

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Back in the Scrape a couple of Common Gulls in with the Black-headed and a single Grey Plover walking the edges.  Near the Brent Geese a half-dozen Teal on the water.  Finally, in the trees alongside Strawberry Field both Blue and Great Tits to complete the morning's observations.

Common (Mew) Gull Larus canus

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Birds seen:

Barnacle Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Goosander, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Snipe, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Linnet.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Knot Calidris canutus

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis (below)

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Lots of Dunlin Calidris alpina with a few added Knot Calidris canutus

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world. 

New Forest Birding with 6 New Species

Male Siskin Carduelis spinus

Sunday 25 January 

A dull start t the day but finished at Ripley Farm Reservoir arrived and missed most of heavy showers when in the hides at nearby Blashford Lakes.  Then the rain set in and stopped as I arrived back in Warsash - and even the Sun is trying to put in an appearance.

Arriving at the entrance track to Ripley Farm Reservoir I face the 3 km return walk past the pig fields and in the hedges and neighbouring area recorded Robin, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Blue Tit and Woodpigeon.  Even a pair of Brown Hares in the field on my left.  However, once at the reservoir itself I was soon shown where to find the visiting Killdeer.  Next to the bird a couple of resting Shelduck and also five Herons on the bank along with a couple of Greylag Geese.  On the water a small, mixed flock of ducks including Wigeon, Shoveler and Mallard and very close a sleeping Little Gull.

Making my way back to the car before leaving the reservoir area I stopped aside the larger pig field and found a trio of Red-legged Partridge at the back and near the feeding pigs a single Pied Wagtail and Herring Gull along with a small flock of foraging Starlings.  Further along the return journey I also cam across a number of Carrion Crows and a single Dunnock.

A few spots pf rain as I drive north to nearby Blashford Lakes and decided to make my first port of call the main reserve knowing that the Tern Hide overlooking Ibsley Water was next to the car park. Straight to the Woodland Hide and inside to beat the coming light rain and , with nobody else inside, able to take the opening window position.  Rain easing to nothing and eventually slightly brighter so a good opportunity to even use the camera.  During the next forty minutes or so a continuous supply of Blue accompany by a few Great and the two Coal Tits.  On the other hand, lots of visiting Long-tailed Tits to join the many feeding Chaffinches and sole Goldfinch.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

As all began to settle down a trio of Blackbirds and a couple of Dunnocks below the feeders and then the arrival of the first Siskins.  Lovely to see the one Nuthatch but best of all to find the lone, visiting male Brambling.  At first well concealed on a thick branch of the small trees to the left of the feeder but, eventually, made a move out into the open for all, including a small visiting group, to see the bird.

The first sighting of the Brambling Fringgilla montifringilla

Brambling Fringgilla montifringilla

Moving on down to the South Ivy Hide, compete a room full of birders, nine resting Cormorants along with many Tufted Duck.  At the far end the main Wigeon flock, about eight Gadwall, a single Coot and Great Crested Grebe plus a pair of Mute Swans.  Not many Mallard and only the one Black-headed Gull.  A short visit to Ivy North Hide produced very little  apart from the odd Mallard and Cormorant but then a Kingfisher flew in and posed right in front of the hide the minute I had put my camera away!  Back to the car park where a Song Thrush was singing away in the tree next to the car.

Gadwall Anas strepera

Time to move over to Tern Hide at Ibsley Water and, in the dull weather, note all the Coots and Wigeon.  Scanning with the scope I eventually found the Black-necked Grebe that my neighbour had been watching at the very far end of the water.  A detailed study of the ducks to my fare left then found the dozen or so Pintail plus a Goldeneye and a small group of Shoveler.  Moving my attention to the ducks towards my right I had the pleasure of a second Goldeye accompanied by a male Goosander.  Further back resting on what was now the flooded island a single Great Black-backed Gull and into shot flew and settle a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Wigeon Anas penelope with a few Pintail Anas acuta at the back

Finally, as I started off towards Ibsley village an the forest road over towards Fritham, the corner field held a good number of feeding Carrion Crows and Jackdaws plus a quintet of Magpies. Even a Pied Wagtail amongst them, and a watching Rock Dove from the roof of the nearby house.

Coal Tit Parus ater looking at Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Time to head off ack to Warsash but first a very short stop at Cadman's Pool near Fritham to check the natural feeder and water.  A number of mallards on the water and island but the stump feeder seemed to be very active with many Blue, Great, Coal and Marsh Tits plus Chaffinches, a Blackbird and the late arrival of a Nuthatch. 

Chaffinch (right) looking at Blue Parus caeruleus and Coal Tits

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Coot, Killdeer, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Brambling, Goldfinch, Siskin.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs and with Blue and Coal Tits

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis and with Siskin Carduelis spinus

Coal Tit Parus ater looking at Great Tit Parus major

Marsh Tit Parus palustris

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Siskins Carduelis spinus (male below)

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.