Lower Hamble River, Warsash

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Saturday 14 November

Helping my friend I took seven members of her Whiteley Sustainabilty Group on a birding walk up the Hamble River from the Warsash car park to the conservation area and back.

Starting around 9.45 with clear weather but very cold we gradually made our way up river and as the morning progressed the cloud built up but with an increase in temperature.  Eventually decided I was wearing too much protective clothing!  Upon arrival a few Wigeon close to shore and we could see a Little Egret near the ferry pontoon.  Moving along we soon found both Black-headed Gull and Brent Geese before a closer look at the reeds on the meadow produced first a Stonechat and then a couple of Water Pipits towards the back and away from the path.  Whilst still at this lower part of the river we also came across a Rock Pipit on the path and time to concentrate on the muddy beach and the off-shore islands.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Good numbers of waders with maybe two score Dunlin accompanied by at least eight Grey and a few Ringed Plovers.  Nearby a couple of Curlew and many Oystercatchers and then a Greenshank dropped in for a minute or two before departing further upriver.  One of the group, Charlotte, noted the flight of a trio of Mute Swans out over the river,

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Whilst we found both a Great Crested and a Little Grebe on the river on the land side in one of the large gardens a couple of Magpies and a passing Carrion Crow with a Pied Wagtail moving between the two.  at the bottom of the next garden a flock of twenty Canada Geese accompanied by a handful of Woodpigeons and even a resting Roe Deer.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Meanwhile, the yet to be flooded meadow held a group of twelve Shelduck plus a few more Redshank and also about a score of Ringed lovers.  Small numbers of both Wigeon and Brent Geese continued to be seen and once at the conservation area a large resting flock of Wigeon plus a handful of Teal.  A Cormorant flew over heading towards the Solent and a Herring Gull came in to rest amongst the Black-headed Gulls and Wigeon.  It certainly seemed very strange that, other than a single bird on the way upriver, no other Turnstones were recorded until the ten noted on the return walk.  So ended the morning, and still in pleasant birding weather, with a final tally of 27 species.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna with a lone Curlew Numenius arquata

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Water Pipit, Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Stonechat, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

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New Forest Birding

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Friday 13 November

Beautiful, sunny day from dawn to dusk - but very cold even with extra layers on! Collected by friend Richard Osman around 8.30 and straight down the M27 and on to Ringwood before reaching Blashford Lakes at 9.25.  Just over the hour in Tern Hide overlooking Ibsley Water produced 26 species starting with lots of Tufted Ducks and Coots. As we scanned the water we noted scores of resting Cormorants and then gradually identified the ducks including Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Wigeon and Common Pochard.  Just the two Goldeneye, both females, and then a few Great Crested Grebes along with a small number of Mute Swans.  At the very back of the water  at least four Heron and a single Moorhen and Richard managed to locate both the single Great White Egret and small flock of resting Lapwing.

Female Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

A pair of Egyptian Geese few away from the water at the far end a couple of Magpies were foraging amongst the Cormorants.  Also at the very back, a single Avocet was noted.  Carrion Crows on the land to the right and then both a Grey and a Pied Wagtail immediately in front of the hide. Before leaving the hide we also added a Herring Gull.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

On the concrete area to the right of the hide small birds including Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock and a single Song Thrush were busy foraging amongst the edges and weeds.

Then it was over to the main reserve to check the smaller lakes and woodlands.  Mainly Gadwall and Coot along with a female Red-crested Pochard on Ivy North whilst on Ivy South we had both Lesser black-backed and a Herring Gull.  Also more Gadwall, Tufted Ducks and a handful of Pochard on this water.  It was also at Ivy North Hide that we found a Cetti's Warbler below the hid and a pair of visiting Reed Buntings to the reeds in front.  But, perhaps best of all, not only a Kingfisher on the Scrape but a second perching happily in a dead tree next to the hide.  Just a shame it was being silhouetted by the sun.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

The walk around the woods and in the Woodland Hide produced Blue and Great Tits, Blackbirds,  Robins and a good number of Chaffinches.  On the boardwalk beyond Ivy South Hide we also had a departing Jay.

Robin Erathatacus rubecula

But by 12.30 we were ready to move on after having had a light snack and recorded Jackdaw, Rock Doves and a Woodpigeon as we set off to Cadman's Pool near Fritham.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Thirty minutes were spent at Cadman's Pool where we recorded lots of Mallard and three Canada Geese along with smaller birds amongst the trees, such as Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinches, Pied Wagtail and a Song Thrush upon departure.  However, not to be outshone by the above, a male Goosander was on the water and skulking under the islands' trees no less than ten Madarin Duck.  Maybe even more under the dense cover.

Male Goosander Mergus merganser

Our final stop was in Fritham at the Royal Oak where we partook of the local beverage and had a rest before starting off back to Warsash.  First a slow drive past the common where we found more Song Thrushes and Blackbirds along with both a Mistle Thrush and a single Redwing.  A Stonechat was perched atop a bush and a number of Robins also seen. Moving down the narrow lane we came across a resting Buzzard atop an electricity pole and Starlings in the trees to the side.  Passing through the few houses we also noted a good-sized flock of House Sparrows on the hedge top.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Then, whilst sitting in the garden to drink our pints with Carrion Crows, Woodpigeons and Magpies in the neighbouring field, our attention was drawn to the small birds that alighted in the large tree to our immediate left.  First a Goldfinch quickly followed by both a Meadow Pipit, with two others on the ground below and, finally, a Firecrest.  What a way to end the visit  - but then we came across a pair of Collared Doves as we drove off up the hill to bring the morning's final tally to a wonderful 51 species.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mandarin Duck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Avocet, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting.

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Sleeping Gadwall Anas strepera

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Common Pochard Aythya ferina

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

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Titchfield Haven

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Thursday 12 November

An accurate forecast with clear blue skies and bright sunshine, but a definite drop in the temperature to prepare us for the big frost this evening!  Arriving at Titchfield Haven by 8.40 The sun very much against me as I tried to scope the shore and Solent.  Just a four Brent Geese noted and then to the roadside viewing pint to check the lagoon and its favoured island.  Lots of Gadwall and Shoveler plus a few Mallard and Teal and on the island itself, dozens of resting Lapwing. A few Black-tailed Godwits and a Redshank working the far edges before the arrival of a Little Egret.  No Moorhens but at least a dozen Coot on the water.

Teal Ana crecca (male above, female below)

The harbour held mainly Mallards and Black-headed Gulls plus a pair of fishing Little Grebe.  The Mute Swan family duly departed for the nearby lagoon on the Meon.  Up river beyond the first bend a resting Grey Heron and a Magpie flew past. Moving beyond the harbour and just past the sailing club to get the sun behind me, a single Pied Wagtail before I found the feeding flock of Sanderling and Turnstones plus a single Curlew and a handful of Oystercatchers.  Well out on the open water a lone male Eider Duck.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Making my way back to the reserve's booking cabin I watched most of the Sanderlings also move towards the harbour and, at last, in the open sunshine. Opposite the small cabin another Grey Heron on the river.

Sanderling Calidris alba

Time to enter the reserve and opposite the entrance on a pebbled spit the main Brent Geese flock totalling well over 250, many of which were just off the shore on the water itself.

Once in the Meon Hide I noted that the scrape was mainly full of resting Teal along with scores of Lapwing.  Immediately in front of me on the island to the left a quartet of resting Snipe with the larger island behind holding most of the resting Oystercatchers.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

The larger islands towards the back held more Teal and Lapwings plus a few Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks.  I even, eventually, found a Moorhen on the island.  Just the two Canada Geese present at the very back along with both a Shelduck and resting Grey Heron.  On the bank beyond the far scrape a quintet of resting Woodpigeons.  Lots of excitement when I found a lone bird foraging in the tall grass behind the resting Teal but it turned out to be "just" a Starling.

Mainly Teal Anas crecca but with a few Redshank Tringa totanus and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

 

Leaving the reserve and back at the car parked opposite, I checked the Brent Geese flock and amongst those resting on the stoney spit the missing Ringed Plovers, so making a final tally of 34 species.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla with resting Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Eider, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Stonechat, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow.

Redshank Tringa totanus with resting Teal Anas crecca

Sanderling Calidris alba

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

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Arboleas Birding Group visit to Villaricos

Wednesday 4 November

Great to see how the Arboleas Birding Group come together so that there is always someone to take charge in the absence of others.  And still some good birds to see including the Sparrowhawk, Hoopoe and Black-eared Wheatear, etc.

Villaricos: Wednesday 4 November

After a prolonged spell of warm, sunny, settled weather the early morning of 4th November was wet and rather cold. It did improve as I drove from Mojacar to Villaricos and fellow birders were not to be deterred. Nigel and Peter W were already there when I arrived, soon to be followed by Peter S and Trevor.

We started a list of species with birds seen on the way to the ford (no territorial limits!).  Peter S had seen Black-eared Wheatear, Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, Collared Dove and House Sparrow.  I added Cattle Egret, a group of about a dozen having been seen in a field opposite the Garrucha go-kart track. Nigel and Peter W had seen a Sparrowhawk whilst sat in the car before the rest of us arrived.

Black-eared Wheatear (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

We walked along the path to the water treatment station, logging species at the start and on the way.  Blackbird, Magpie, Spotless Starling, Cettis's Warbler (heard only) and a Grey Heron, spotted by Nigel, were noted.  An Iberian Grey Shrike was identified on a pylon cable.  Again there was no water in the pool on the right by the station but there were pools and stretches of water in the riverbed.  There we found Dunlin, Ringed Plover, many Little Ringed Plover and Green Sandpiper.  Nigel spotted a White Wagtail, a Stonechat and a Mallard.  Leaving that site, I saw a Black Redstart in flight and confirmed the ID when it landed.

We moved on the usual beach.  On the approach, Peter S saw a Hoopoe and Trevor had a close-up view of a Kestrel on a power line.  There was little to see at the beach apart from a Cormorant and a lone Turnstone near the shore.

Hoopoe (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

Next was the south bank of the estuary.  On the approach, Peter W had spotted the first Little Egret of the day, together with Coot and Moorhen in the narrow channel below the river bank.  Out near the sea were groups of gulls, comprised of Black-headed and Audouin's, together with several Sandwich Terns.

The shallow waters below the dual carriageway were next.  Here we had Shelduck, Little Grebe, Black-winged Stilt, Greater flamingo and White-headed Duck.  I saw a couple of Barn Swallow fly over.

Finally, at the viewing point opposite Consum, Nigel found a Black-necked Grebe.

Thirty-seven species, good company and, eventually, the sun.

Alan

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Titchfield Haven

Male Teal Anas crecca

Wednesday 4 November

It seemed very cold this morning when I left Warsash at 8 'clock to visit the Meon shore at Titchfield Haven.  Once out of the car a trio of Great Crested Grebes out on the Solent along with a couple of Black-headed Gulls.  Makin my way past the harbour with the tide on the turn an just beginning to recede, a handful of Mallards and trio of Coot on the small exposed gravel then straight to the observation area overlooking the lower Meon river and the small island.  A dozen Lapwing on the island along with six Cormorants on the surrounding posts plus more Black-headed Gulls.  Resting near the island a few Mallard with over a score of Shoveler sheltering under the reeds on the far bank.  Out of the open water a number of Gadwall and then the arrival of the resident Mute Swan family.

Use of the scope found the lone Snipe feeding at the edge of the reeds behind the island along with three Little Egrets.  A Moorhen put in an appearance on the island and then the pleasure of watching the departing Kingfisher along the back of the water.

A walk along the harbour wall to check the far side produced over twenty resting Turnstones along with ten Ringed Plover on the opposite side of the estuary but just the one Oystercatcher.  Two Herring Gulls seen then the arrival of a pair of Mute Swans that landed just off shore beyond the harbour entrance.

Resting Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus (top) and Teal Anas crecca (water's edge)

Time to check-in at the office to visit the Titchfield Haven Reserve and a Little Grebe fishing in the water in front of the building.  As I approached the reserve entrance the receding tide was beginning to expose the shore and a few Oystercatchers had arrived.

Once in the Meon Hide overlooking the Scrapes, other than well over 100 Teal and at least fifty Lapwing not a lot to be seen.  Just the one Canada Goose of an island and the edge of that island a number of Black-tailed Godwits and a few Redshank.  Most of the Oystercatcher flock were tightly packed here too.  At the back of the scrape I saw the arrival of another thirty Black-tailed Godwits and a couple of Carrion Crows made their departure.  No sooner gone and they were replaced by the arriving dozen Starlings.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Parking time just about completed and as I made my way back to the car a Cetti's Warbler added to the species list.  Once back at the car in front of the exit and up against the sea wall, I took the opportunity to once more check the beach and the water's edge.  Now many more Oystercatchers and a few Herring Gulls to be seen and at the top of the beach a pair of Pied along with a single Grey Wagtail plus a Meadow Pipit.  Six Brent Geese flew over heading south but a little further away to the north, I finally found the quartet of Sanderling that had flown over as I reached the car.  Not quite finished birding as approaching Titchfield village on the way home at least thirty Rooks in the field on my right and, as expected, a number of Jackdaws on the roof tops in the village itself, so giving a final tally of 35 species for the short stay.

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal,  Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Cetti's Warbler, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling

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"Up Birding North 2!

 Saturday 31 October

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

The last day of the month and over to RSPB Titchwell for the better part of the day.  But not the coastal road, rather the A148 Cromer road and then down to Doking, with a Mallard on the small village pond and the very narrow country lane down to the A149 and Titchwell village.  This final part of the journey, with the overnight fog now rapidly lifting, proved most productive with many small bords including Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Great Tit in and out of the hedges on both sides of the lane.  In addition, at least a dozen Pheasants and a score of Red-legged Partridges.  But no Barn Owl on this occasion. 

Finally arriving the RSPB car park at 08.55, I headed straight Patsy's Pool to spend some quality time checking out the bird life both on the water and nearby hedges and general vegetation.  Blackbird, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon and Magpie noted on the outward walk and once at the pool area Robin, Wren and Dunnock.  As I checked the Shelduck, Teal, Gadwall, Mallard and Shoveler on the water a small flock of Pink-footed Geese flew over on their way to the day's feeding grounds.  In the reeds below the viewing area, both Cetti's Warbler and Blue Tit and then a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew past we birders - but I missed both the Little Grebe and Kingfisher.

Dunnock Prucella modularis

In the trees at the far right and the area beyond both resting Red Kite and Buzzard and then the first Marsh Harrier put in an appearance.  A short walk to the back of the area produced Carrion Crow and Magpie followed by Blackbirds and a few Redwing.  A Dunnock posed atop a bare tree.  Time to make my way back along the boardwalk to the main reserve and stopping near the hide overlooking a small, but empty, pool a number of Goldfinches and a Siskin in the top of a tree.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Time to take the long footpath down to the shore. To the west on the open marsh a couple of Little Egrets plus a Water Rail followed by a Curlew.  The pools to the east held a large mixture of geese and, mainly, ducks. Having seen both a Great White Egret and a Little Grebe, I then recorded Wigeon, Shoveler and Mallard plus a small number of Greylag Geese and a score or more of Brent Geese.  Both Grey Heron and Black-headed Gulls were also noted.  One of the small islands held a number of resting Lapwing.

Great White Egret Ardea alba (Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis on left)

Carrying on down the path I then came across the resting flock of hundreds of Golden Plover.  What a beautiful sight to behold as the now open sun lit up their colours and doing great justice to their given name.  Nearby on the next lagoon a few more Golden Plover along with a few Dunlin and the occasional Redshank. 

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Beyond the turn to the new hides, the next pool eld a few Black-tailed Godwits at the rear along with a Grey Plover.  In front of me more Dunlin and a trio of Ruff.  To the left and on the path itself in front of me, a female Stonechat and later joined by a male.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax 

Finally, I made it to the sandy shore with the tide now out but very calm water giving an opportunity to check the sea birds. Both Great Crested Grebe and a Great Northern Diver noted along with a small collection of Oystercatchers off to my left on the shore.

Once back at he two big hides I took the opportunity to check the inner waters and found many more of species already recorded.  However, I did add a single Avocet and a Snipe immediately in front of the hide and then a wandering Pied Wagtail.  Whilst a single Meadow Pipit was seen to my right (west), I did also note the three Water Pipits to my left.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

Now back at the ca park I ae my picnic lunch then decided, rather than take the coastal road for the return journey, go back via Doking to check what else might be on the narrow lane leading up the hill from Titchwell village.  More of the small birds a Collared Dove and a few Pheasants, but also counted the number of Red-legged Partridges seen, often in what looked like family parties, and came up with no less than 39.  And, of course, more would most likely have also been under and beyond the roadside hedges.  Most pleased to see that the final number of species recorded in the two days finally totalled 71, including two new birds for the year, Pink-footed Goose and Whooper Swan.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Birds seen:

Pin-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal,  Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard,  Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Whimbrel, Ruff, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Water Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Redwing, Cetti's Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow,  Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin.

Brent Geese Branta  bernicla

Curlew Numenius arquata

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Greylag Geese Anser anser

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

Stonechat Saxicola oenanthe

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

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