Lower Hamble River, Warsash

Turnstones Arenaria interpres

 Saturday 16 September

A still, cloudy morning but dry as I took a walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back as the water approached high tide. Just a handful of Black-headed Gulls foraging on the remaining couple of metres of beach as the water reached the high tide mark and then nine Turnstones.  On the opposite side of the path, a couple of Lapwing and a lone Black-tailed Godwit as I made my way down tot the conservation area.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Off towards the trees I noted a pair of Woodpigeon and once at the the conservation closer views of the many birds gather in the sheltered area to rest whilst awaiting the out-going tide and so commence re-feeding. I finally counted no less then 18 Little Egret along with eight Grey Herons.  No shortage of Black-headed but also almost a dozen Herring and at least two Common Gulls.  Closing checking revealed Sandwich Terns and once noted managed to record a total of 15 individuals.

Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis with Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Waders, with 55 counted, were mainly Black-tailed Godwits and diligent searching also produce a score of Redshank along with pairs of Oystercatcher, Knot and Grey Plover. Single Greenshank and Curlew were also noted.  No wintering Wigeon as yet but I did record five Teal in the same area.  Also in the conservation area eight Jackdaw and a pair of Carrion Crow but, on this occasion, no Magpies.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa plus a Sandwich Tern

A pair of Rock Doves were feeding alongside the roosting waders and, making my way back I was delighted to come across a very smart Pied Wagtail.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrelli

Birds seen:

Teal, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Common Gull Larus canus (left) with Black-headed Gulls and Jackdaws

Curlew Numenius arquata with Greenshank Tringa nebularia in background

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea with Little Egrets Egretta garzetta

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis

Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis with Grey Herons Ardea cinerea

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