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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Titchfield canal and Meon Shore

Tree-creeper Certhia familiaris

Tuesday 31 December

Last day of the year and with only a light shower during the night and our storm and tempest expected tomorrow, I took the opportunity of a morning visit to nearby Titchfield Canal.  Calm and broken cloud giving much better visibility than the past few days and all turned out well with 34 species recorded at the canal site.  Entering the car park I had views of both the local Jackdaws and Starlings and was, naturally greeted by the local Woodpigeons.

Checking the Brook Street Floods, I found very manty Black-headed, a few Herring and a trio of Great Black-backed Gulls.  Ducks were mainly Pintail and Wigeon along with a few Teal and Mallards plus a single Canada Goose.  Also present were a good number of Lapwing but only one Black-tailed Godwit seen in distant vegetation on the other side of the water.  Meanwhile, on the far side beyond the water, a couple of Magpies, a passing Carrion Crow and a very noisy Green Woodpecker.

Distant Bridge Street Floods revealing Pintails Anas acuta amongst others

Moving on down towards the bridge I noted both the Gadwall at the western end of the water and a lone Heron at the eastern end of the approaching Posbrook Floods.  Just inside the meadow  lone Herring Gull was taking a rest on the grass.  Not so many birds on this water but, again, more Pintail, a few Teal and a number of Shoveler.  In addition a number of Coot were recorded and a Cormorant was resting on the far side. From the bridge I also watched a pair of Blackbirds in a nearby tree which were then joined by a Song Thrush in search of the berries.  On the other side of the bridge a Wren was perched atop the fence and a Robin noted on the weeds upstream of the bridge.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Moving on down through the avenue I was intrigued to find half a dozen Chiffchaff moving about the old oil drums and water deposit behind the trees on the other side of the canal.  Not so much as interacting but definitely strange behaviour.  A further couple of Chiffchaff were feeding in the long grass between the path and the water.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

making my way back to the car park I took another look at Bridge Street Floods from the opposite direction and found not only a Shelduck but a pair of Egyptian Geese at the far end. Then back at the end of the path I stopped at the side of the pump station and watched first a Goldcrest in the bare trees separating it from the car park but also a party of six Long-tailed Tits whilst a Tree-creeper worked the nearest small tree not two metres away.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

The weather still fine, albeit a hint of a stronger breeze heralding what was expected within the next twenty-four hours, so I decided to take the road down to the shore at Hill Head and the Meon River harbour adjacent to Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve.  No shortage of Black-headed Gulls about and even a few Herring Gulls to be seen.  With the tide now fully in and a deep rather than almost empty harbour, initially just a handful of Turnstone and about a dozen Mallard.  A pair of Mute Swans with their well grown signet came toward me expecting the provision of food, but they were to be disappointed!  A Woodpigeon flew over the road and very little to be seen from the bridge looking towards the reserve.  That was until a couple of score of Lapwing accompanied by more Black-headed Gulls suddenly took to the skies but no sign of what might have alarmed the birds.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Once at the view point overlooking the lake a handful of Lapwing on the island in front along with more Black-headed Gulls on both the island and the neighbouring posts.  Just a couple of immature Herring Gulls on the island but looking closer able to identify ten Common Gull.  At the back of the water a small flock of Gadwall and at the far end towards the sea a similar number of Shoveler plus a quartet of Coot.

Moving across to the car park to look at the main beach I found eight Sanderling resting on the spit's shingle and a Cormorant flew towards us from the harbour entrance. I then walked back alongside the harbour to the far end and at the slipway looked across to find as many as forty resting Sanderling plus a score of Ringed Plover resting on the shingle at the end of the spit.  Indeed, somebody must have been feeding the ducks as not only had the Mallard flock more than doubled but there was also now more than a score of Turnstone on the harbour wall and adjacent fence. And on that note I made my way back to the car and drove home having reached a final (total) tally of 39 species for the morning - and still no rain as yet but the wind gradually gaining in strength so unlikely to be celebrating the New Year with some birding tomorrow.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Cormorant, Heron, Coot, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Tree-creeper, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, 

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More New Forest Birding

Sunday 29 December

Normandy Lagoon looking inland with many Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Back to the new Forest on Sunday morning, albeit still calm and murky/misty weather giving poor visibility.  This time to the Solent shore starting at Normandy Lagoon just south of Lymington with a follow-on to nearby Pennington Marshes. Arriving at Normand lagoon just before 10 there was already a mass of dogs and walkers but not seeming to interfere with my birding. Heading towards the lagoon from the car I quickly recorded Magpie, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow and Robin and once on the sea wall looking to the site aw many nearby Teal and Shelduck.  Right in front of me five Little Egret and a Heron and scoping further away soon picked up the nine Spoonbill and at at least a dozen Avocet.  

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia with Wigeon Anas penelope and Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

On the banks many Lapwing with foraging Dunlin, over forty Ringed Plovers and a couple of Turnstone at the water's edge.  As I checked out the whole water I soon found not only many Wigeon but a good number of Pintail plus Mallard, Shoveler and Tufted Duck.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Making my way to the far side I also picked the Brent Geese and a Little Grebe plus both Redshank and Greenshank.  Away to the south on one of the grassy spits out into the Solent proper a resting flock of at least fifty Oystercatchers. Nearby a Great Crested Grebe and a few Cormorant were constantly moving between this are and the lagoon.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

My return walk to the car took me towards Acre Pond and before leaving Normandy Lagoon I also managed to se both a female Reed Bunting and male Stonechat. On Acre Pond a good number of Coot plus more Wigeon, Mallard and a lone Canada Goose and another Heron.  In the nearby trees I also recorded Blackbird, House Sparrow, Blue Tit and Song Thrush.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Arriving at the bottom of Lower Pennington Lane I just managed to squeeze into the last available parking spot before starting and anti-clockwise triangular walk that took me first to Fishtail Lagoon before heading off via Butts Lagoon to Pennington Lagoon.  Dunnock and Woodpigeon as soon as I arrived and with flooding in the main meadow to my left no Golden Plover or geese but a dozen or so well-dispersed Lapwing.

Male Pintail Anas acuta

Stopping a few times as I worked my way past Fishtail Lagoon I soon found a variety of bird life including the occasional Heron  and Little Egret plus three Spoonbill at the far end.  Nearer to me many Teal and Wigeon and soon I was also noting the scores of Pintail.  Mallard, Shoveler and Shelduck were also present as were a number of Brent Geese.  Quite close on the eastern bank not just a dozen or so Dunlin but a feeding Snipe.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago (left) with Dunlin Calidris alpina

Once at the sea wall I could look back on the nearer deeper water of Fishtail Lagoon and check the may Pintail and score of Brent Geese for the reported long-staying immature female Long-tailed Duck.  Eventually found, the bird looked so small and despite her constant diving I did manage to finally get a distant record shot before the bird disappeared.  More Cormorants were seen here as was a couple of foraging Mapie.

The distant immature female Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyermalis

Moving towards Butts Lagoon a Curlew flew past eastwards and then many Coot noted on the water along with both Mute Swan, Shoveler and Mallard.  This water and the adjacent start of the Pennington Lagoon not only produced more Pintail but a good number of Tufted Duck and three more Snipe.  An Oystercatcher was feeding on the far bank and then it was time to turn inland and head back towards the car.

Male and female Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Stopping on the higher ground after leaving the lagoon, I first found a distant Kestrel resting atop a tall bush to me left and then, to the right, A similar sighted Carrion Crow.  The first of the large ponds on the right not only produced both Mallard and Teal abut also a quartet of Gadwall.   A Redshank dropped in and ere long I was back at the car. But before departing I took a walk down the lane towards Keyhaven to have a closer look at the large pond on the right where I found a number of Herring Gulls and a few Coot.  A Robin was watching me from a nearby hedge and as I looked over the water a Marsh Harrier drifted westwards above me, so bringing the morning's tally to 46 species.

A few of the many Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Reed Bunting.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Lots of male Pintail Anas acuta to be seen today

Wigeon Anas penelope

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