Fishlake Meadows, Romsey

Saturday 12 August

Lovely early morning sunshine when I arrived at Fishlake Meadows reserve, Romsey and immediately set out to visit the outside viewing points from the main road overlooking the main water. Woodpigeons galore and then a couple of Carrion Crow as I arrived at the watch point near the bridge to get a better look down the water.  Half a dozen Mute Swans and a handful of Great Crested Grebes before also noting Mallards, a couple of Cormorant, Magpies and Collared Doves in the dead trees still standing in the water in front of me but then, looking right across the water I found the resting Osprey sitting atop one of the dead trees and able to get a record shot of the raptor.

Distant Osprey Pandion haliaetus seen upon arrival

Moving on down to the usual viewing point I was in time to watch a departing Great White Egret before the Osprey arrived on the scene in search of its breakfast.  Quite a shock for the Carrion Crow as the Osprey hove to within touching distance of the corvid.  Also present in the area more Woodpigeons, a single Common Tern, a couple of resting Heron and a Little Egret.  Meanwhile, as I was about to make departure to return to the actual reserve, the Osprey had found its meal and was seen on a distant tree making a start on its breakfast.

Fishing Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Once back in the reserve it was the long walk round to the viewpoints but so much leaf and growth difficult to see many of the calling birds. Lots of Woodpigeons about and more Carrion Crows but also Chiffchaff, Wren, Robin and Blackbird.  High overhead a handful of Common Swifts which were later joined by a few House Martins and the occasional Barn Swallow.  Also heard were a couple of Cetti's Warblers.  Best sighting was that of the Water Rail which had been continually calling from the wet undergrowth to my left, the opposite side to the stream.

Distant Great White Egret Egretta alba

Nearing the viewing screens at the back of the site I came across more Willow Warblers pus both Sedge and Reed Warbler.  The right-hand viewing point held nothing with the water completely hidden by the reeds and grasses and only the one Great White Egret from the second screen.  Making my way back to the car park with the cloud now beginning to build up I also added both Great Tit and Chaffinch but did manage to get myself sorted and inside the car before the light drizzle settled in.

Juvenile Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Osprey, Water Rail, Black-headed Gull, herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Breakfast time for the Osprey Pandion haliaetus

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