Farlington Marshes

Friday 21 August

Back to lovely sunshine and almost clear blue skies with just a very gentle breeze as collected by friends Richard Osman and Adrian Enzner, we set off for a morning at Farlington Marshes with the tide already half-way out. Driving down the lane to our far end parking spot both Starling and Carrion Crow on the lamp posts and no sooner underway than both Robin and Woodpigeon recorded.

Onwards to the viewing platform overlooking the lake and noted a Great Tit in the trees to our left and a Common Sandpiper on the small pond with Adrian also noting the overflying Rook.  As we approached the sea wall many Black-headed and Herring Gulls along with five Curlew, a quartet of Oystercatchers and a Little Egret on the harbour mud flats but just a single Lapwing and seven Shelduck on the lake.

Having also seen a score of Canada Geese at the water's edge in the harbour we then made our way back to the steps and access to the field path towards the river.  Here we found scores of Canada Geese and and almost as many Mallard.  In the neighbouring hedge at least seven Linnets and a pair of Magpie.  Fifteen Black-tailed Godwits and a lone Avocet also resting alongside the many geese. Continuing on we cam across a small charm of Goldfinches and both Adrian and Richard saw a pair of Blackbirds.

Once at the old barn and looking back at the lagoon we found no less than 61 resting Redshank along with a score of Lapwing plus both Coot and Moorhen.  A single Black-tailed Godwit was feeding close to the fence in front of the seat and was still present when we return less than an hour later.  A Dunnock had been recorded along with a pair of Whitethroats as we reached the end of the field and whilst at the lagoon observed at least six Barn Swallows.  Overhead, a pair of circling Buzzards.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

As we moved on towards the eastern sea wall, we stopped to watch the steers being examined and inoculated which also gave us chance to see the three Cattle Egrets depart from the area.  By the time we reached the turn in the path we had closer views of the Cattle Egrets.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Once on the sea wall we walked on to the Deeps but, stopping at the seat for a rest and drink, watched as a pair of Bullfinches flew past along the arrow valley between the brambles and meadow.  On the sea side at very low water we found more Canada Geese plus both a Heron and a few distant waders.  The Deeps proved very disappointing with hardly any water to be seen and the only bird being a single Pied Wagtail.

Returning the same way back to the lagoon, as mentioned above the Black-tailed Godwit was still feeding in exactly the same position and more Lapwings had arrived to join the other resting birds.  Above a Swift arrived to make the final tally for the morning 34 species.

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Swift, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Whitethroat, Great Tit, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Goldfinch, Linnet, Bullfinch.

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Titchwell Haven

Wednesday 19 August

The drought finally ended with light rain starting before 6am and continuing till around 11.45.  Lovely sunshine but then a heavy, half-hour downpour around 12.45.  However, all cleared up and able to visit the members only opening of Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve from 6 till 8pm.  Glorious sunshine but a very strong on-shore breeze.  And that's where the good news ended as, unbeknown to me at the time, I had left my rucksack by the front door so no camera, bins or even a notebook.  Good job the scope was already in the car's boot!

Sheltered from the wind once inside the Meon Hide and already scores of Canada Geese had arrived to join those already present.  Similarly, scores of Common Terns including many youngsters still being fed by parents.  Black-headed Gulls by the dozen with similar number of Mallards.  No Herring Gulls present but these, along with a pair of Mute Swans and their two well-grown cygnets, were seen on the open sea with the Solent having reached hight tide.

Common Terns Sterna hirundo

Checking the water in front of the hide a good number of Teal, mainly at the back, along with a small number of Gadwall and five Shelduck.  A lone Egyptian Goose was resting on the furthest island.  Also present a dozen Black-tailed Godwits and a quartet of Oystercatchers but just the lonely two Lapwing. Beyond the water in the now dry pool a lone Heron.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Continuing to scan the water with the scope I also found  a handful of Moorhen and on the small gravel island immediately in front of the hide, a Common Sandpiper with a second resting on the adjacent wooden perching rail. A Woodpigeon flew over and at the very far back above the trees a quartering Marsh Harrier.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

An early departure enable me to reach home in time to watch the three Welsh Male Voice Choirs competing at the national Eisteddfod.  Not a bad way to the end the day.

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Lapwing. Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Starling.

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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 but turned out to be a Gadwall.  Immediatlkey in front a Teal.  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

Gadwall Anas strepera with a Teal Anas crecca in front.

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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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