Shatterford Bottom, New Forest

Marsh Tit Parus palustrus

Sunday 4 December

At last, my first field visit with HOS (Hampshire Bird Society) since returning to the UK.  With 27 present, today's anti-clockwise walk for just over 5 1/2 kms started at Shatterford Bottom, almost adjacent to Beaulieu Road Railway Station, promptly at 10am.  Some lovely names to enjoy as we passed through Denny Wood and then along Woodfidley Passage before returning to our respective cars.  As we set off the cluster of pine trees produced Chaffinches and Dunnocks, followed by a couple of Pied Wagtails and then the arrival of both a Treecreeper and Coal Tit.  Not to be outdone, a single Goldcrest put in an appearance.

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

All very quiet as we made our way to Denny Wood although a few did find the odd Meadow Pipit hiding in the low gorse and away to our eft a pair of Carrion Crow were flying westwards.  A Kestrel was seen flying away in front of us but once in the woods, however, we soon recorded Great Tit and Blackbird along with a trio of Redwing and a second Treecreeper.  Only a fleeting sight of the departing Great Spotted Woodpecker but both Marsh Tit and Robin hung around long enough for all to get a good sighting.

Distant record shot of Redwing Turdus iliacus

Reaching the boundary fence of Denny Lodge we soon picked up three more Redwing in the paddock along with a couple of Stonechat and a Blue Tit on the far hedge.  Closer to a couple of us, a Wren was perched on the nearby fence itself as we approached.  A Blackbird was foraging away to our right and then a dozen Starlings descended onto the field.  Nothing to add as we made the long walk back other than more Blackbirds and Robins followed by both Nuthatch and Great Tit as we left the last of the large trees.  Only 19 species but what lovely individuals they were.

Birds seen:

Kestrel, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Redwing, Goldcrest, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Gret Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch.

With time to spare, I made the slight detour on the way home for a twenty minute stop at Eyeworth Pond, Fritham and recorded all the expected including Marsh, Blue and Great Tit, Nuthatch, Dunnock, Robin, Chaffinch and House Sparrow.  In addition to the resident Mallards and Moorhen, a Pied Wagtail was in attendance and, at last, the Manadrin Duck was (just about) visible.  Finally, also recorded were Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove; a final total of 16 species in 20 minutes.

The second Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Resting Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

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