Lower Hamble River

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Thursday 7 September

With our recent guests making an early departure for their drive back to Germany, I took a walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back.  Yet another very warm and humid start but, nevertheless, some good birds to be seen on the short visit. With the tide on its way out the birds were relatively close so an immediate sighting of both Black-headed and Herring Gulls along with a few Turnstones. A small flock of Starling came to visit the shore and then, making my way upriver, the first of more then two score of Redshank and a similar number of Ringed Plovers.  

Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula

Just a couple of Oystercatchers but also a single Greenshank and then a good number of Black-tailed Godwits.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Lovel to see more Curlews again along with both Pied Wagtails and a single Wheatear.  The first of five Little Egrets was noted as a Kingfisher flashed past and up towards my destination.  Ere long I saw the resident Carrion Crows and both Woodpigeon and Magpie also put in an appearance. A Heron was found in the long grass behind the conservation area and making my way back I also recorded a Dunlin.  Finally, almost home, the only Robin of the short walk.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Birds seen:

Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Wheatear,  Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Juvenile Starling Sturnus vulgaris

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