Warsash and Solent Shore

Friday 26 July

Back to some sun once again but still a fair amount of cloud and at least no discernible wind. Time for a walk along the shore from Warsash and down to the Solent and then on till the Scrape before making my way home. Lots of Black-headed Gulls about and then both a Carrion Crow and the fist of over seventy Black-tailed Godwits recorded during the walk. Both House Sparrow and Robin were seen as I walked past Strawberry Fields and then the sight of a flock of fifteen feeding Redshank along with a sole Curlew.

Approaching the School of Navigation the first of the morning's handful of Herring Gulls and a small family party of Starlings atop a tree to my left.  Not just Woodpigeons as I continued on but also a single Collared Dove and then a couple of Magpies foraging near the small pond just beyond the pier.

Reaching the Spit the inlet held a good number of Black-headed and a quartet of Herring Gulls but also a single Yellow-legged Gull.  A couple of Mallards were also recorded.  On the Solent shore of the Spit at least forty Black-tailed Godwits and a similar number of Oystercatchers flew in. Above me a Common Tern which finally moved off southwards.

Making my way to the Scrape I found another Magpie and, upon arriving, a pair of Avocet on the water along with more Black-tailed Godwits, Black-headed Gulls and a dozen Mallard.  Even the Common Tern had arrived and feeding just beyond I noticed the Little Egret.  Off to the right of the water a pair of Little Grebe.  Almost on front of me a Reed Bunting alighted for a minute or so.

Walking through the gorse area to the Meandering Pool and back I was able to find a quintet of Linnet, pairs of Skylarks and Greenfinches followed by a male Stonechat.

Finally time to return home and passing just beyond the Spit came across a Common Sandpiper feeding alongside a Black-tailed Godwit and then, approaching the sailing club in Warsash, a lone Turnstone feeding at the water's edge.

Birds seen:

Mallard, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Skylark, Robin, Stonechat, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

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New Forest Birding

Friday 19 July

A beautiful warm and sunny morning with hardly a trace of cloud in the brilliant blue sky.  Up early and down at Normandy Lagoon, Lymington by 7.50 and welcomed by the local Magpies and Black-headed Gulls. Approaching the sea wall a number of House Sparrows and once on top of the wall a sight of much reduced water levels.  Lots of Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns about along with very many Canada Geese and then the search for something different.

To the right of the lagoon, a Herring Gull and distant Curlew and Oystercatcher the, rounding the corner with the sun now behind me, a good view of the lagoon from the south showing very many terns and Black-headed Gulls.  Mainly Common but the Roseate Terns had successfully reared two young and these were now resting on the shore.  Immediately in front of me a couple of foraging Redshank and a resting Little Tern along with a pair of Ringed Plovers.

A Whitethroat was seen on a nearby shrub and then the appearance of a few then many Mallards.  Towards the back and rear scores of Canada Geese along with the odd Lapwing but also a score or more Redshank and  a similar number of Oystercatchers.  At the very back, a pair of Stock Doves had come down to the water's edge to drink.

Checking the whole water there were no less than four Little Egrets and then the appearance of a sole Black-tailed Godwit and a Cormorant which had arrived to rest on the lagoon.  Finally, a last look a the Roseate Terns before returning to the car to remove my jacket so that the sun could get to both my legs and arms.

So on to the short drive across to Pennington Marshes to check out that area.  Again, very many Canada Geese but, once again, Magpie the first bird recorded.  A Heron flew over as I took a short walk along the lane to look at the nearby freshwater pool but found only a handful of Black-headed Gulls and a couple of Woodpigeon, albeit there were a number of "singing" Greenfinches.

Making my way back to the car to take an anti-clockwise circuit of the the main pools, a single Barn Swallow flew across and then I saw the sixty-strong flock of Starlings feeding on the grass in front of me. No sooner had the Carrion Crows flown over than I was checking Fishtail Lagoon on my right.  A few Canada Geese and a nearby Blackbird and moving a little further on I got a splendid view of the many Black-tailed Godwits and the occasional Lapwing.  Over to the left a single Spoonbill with three Little Egrets to the back of the water.  Also close by n their own island a group of fifty resting Avocet that had been joined by a few more Black-tailed Godwits.  Not too many Mallards on show but then noted the small number of feeding Redshank and even  pair of Greylag Geese.

Passing Butts Lagoon on my left a large number of Coots and Mallards present but no Tufted Duck,  The pair of Mute Swans were on the water with their three well-grown cygnets and then  a single Moorhen. In the reeds immediately in front of me many singing Reed Warblers and a Common Tern flew over.

Once a the seat corner and looking across the water to the land on the right a couple of Great Black-backed Gulls and, walking along the spit, both a Ringed Plover and a Curlew. A little further away a small group of Oystercatchers.  Then moving left along the side of Pennington Lagoon very many Canada Geese plus more Mallards and Little Egrets. Another couple of herons were seen before I turned left and took the path back to the car park.  Yet another Heron and a few Black-tailed Godwits on the pond to my right and, once back at the car, a passing Blue Tit.

Time to sort out the gear and car and then head off back to Warsash with a slight diversion to spend half an hour at Eyeworth Pond in Fritham.  Not a lot of activity with a score of Mallards on the water looking for a friendly face to feed them whilst, meanwhile, somebody had been placing seed along the gate which was gratefully being taken by, mainly, House Sparrows along with a handful of Blue and Great Tits plus a regular Marsh Tit and just the one male Chaffinch.  A maturing Robin also put in an appearance showing the first signs of a red breast as it began to lose the rest of its juvenile spots.

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Back-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Roseate Tern, Little Tern, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Robin, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch.

Photos to follow asap

Wednesday 24 July

Presently having problems uploading pictures.  Awaiting solution.

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Titchfield Canal Path

 Sunday 14 July

Arriving at Titchfield canal car park at 9.15 on a clear, calm and sunny morning I was immediately greeted by Chiffchaff, Song Thrush and Woodpigeon.  Once prepared, off up the canal to Titchfield church recording Blackbird, Starling, Pied Wagtail, Magpie and Moorhen before back o the car park to meet up with other members of HOS under the leadership of local birder, David Wallace for the morning's walk along the canal path to the shore at Hill Head and back.

Male Blackbird Turdus merula sunning itself on the shed roof

Setting off down the canal path we soon added Blackcap and Robin and, looking up, a Buzzard making lazy circles in the sky. The dead tree in front of Bridge Street Floods held a trio of Cormorant with  fourth individual in flight.  On the water a handful of Mallards and a similar number of House Martins feeding over the water. A little further on we came across a resting Reed Bunting and the first Wren of the morning.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Approaching Posbrook Floods a number of Jackdaws were in the air and a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull passed overhead.  Once at the bridge we could also see a couple of Heron at the water's edge and, over the field on the opposite side of the path, a couple of Kestrels and a Carrion Crow with a pair of Goldfinch nearer to us. Moving through the avenue to take a closer look at the now exposed, partly hidden water we added a handful of Coot and a couple more Mallards.

Stopping at the bench at the end of the avenue we recorded a Chaffinch and Blue Tit before noting the Pheasant at the back nearer the water.  A trio of Stonechat were also seen and to our right a passing Stock Dove.  Then, the bird of the morning, as a single Glossy Ibis was seen above as it made its way down river.  No sooner departed that a Great Black-backed Gull put in an appearance quickly followed by the smaller Herring Gull.

I left the group further on down where the ditch across the path had now been filled and made my way back to the car park.  A Buzzard was once again seen and approaching the avenue a Green Woodpecker was "yaffling" from the trees on the other side of the river and no sooner making my way into the avenue a calling Cetti's Warbler. Once back on the narrow path beyond the bridge a couple of Collared Doves and then a pair Black-headed Gulls in the sky and then a stop to admire the trio of Common Swifts above the trees on the left. A most enjoyable 2 3/4 hours in lovely weather and good birding despite the overgrown nature of the reserve.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Interesting to also se a good number of butterflies including Red Admiral and the Comma (?) shown below.

Comma Polygonia egea butterfly?

Birds seen:

Mallard, Pheasant, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Heron, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Swift, Green Woodpecker, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting.

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Blashford Lakes

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Friday 12 July

With Richard Osman off to Blashford Lakes for the morning arriving at 9.45 where we started in the main reserve on the basis that if the expected rain arrived we might well be across the road inside the Tern Hide overlooking Ibsley Water.  In the event, not only no rain but quite warm and very pleasant most of he time.  So, an enjoyable four hours which also gave time to visit the Goosander Hide next to the artificial Sand Martin nesting colony before making a stop at the "George" in Fordingbridge alongside the Hampshire Avon for a quick drink before continuing back to Warsash. 

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Leaving the car at the outer car park to walk to Ivy North Hide, arriving at the last junction in front of the meadow and looking left both Buzzard and Red Kite circling over the trees to my left.  Then as I turned towards the hide itself, a Cormorant flew over  whilst, around me, both Blue Tits and Chiffchaff plus a passing Magpie.  Once inside the hide at least thirty Mallards and the occasional Black-headed and Herring Gulls.  Reed Warblers in the reeds below the hide and a Moorhen made a very brief appearance as it crossed the gap in the reeds at the water's edge. Finally a fishing Common Tern in front of me before we set off towards the Woodland Hide.

Greenfinches Carduelis chloris with Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs (below left) and Great Tit Parus major (centre right)

Moving through the trees we encountered our first Great Spotted Woodpecker of the morning plus more Blue and Great Tits along with a Robin.  Once ensconced in hide numerous Blue and Great Tits on the feeders, including many young, and a family of two adults and two well-grown young Dunnocks on the ground where they were joined by a male Blackbird.  Lots of Greenfinches and Chaffinches about but only a couple of Goldfinches although we did have a visit from both a Nuthatch and a Jay. A pair of Collared Doves visited the feeding area and as we left more Woodpigeon sightings.

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Making our way to the Ivy South Hide we stopped to try and find the two calling Great Spotted Woodpeckers in the tree tops but only a fleeting glimpse of one as it moved above us across the path. Very little to be seen from the hide other than a few Black-headed Gulls, some still with growing chicks, and a couple of Common Tern.  On the other hand, the bare tree to our left which normally holds resting Cormorants now had an occupied nest right at the top of said tree.

Nesting Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

back to the car and across the road to park in front of the Tern Hide overlooking Ibsley Water. What initially looked like a handful of Egyptian Geese turned out to be in excess of 110 individuals as we found small groups at the water's edge all round the Water plus a large resting group on the higher land to our right.  

Feeding/resting Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Further away  there were scores of both Greylag and Canada Geese on the open water along with a number of Mute Swans and Coots.  About five Great Crested Grebes were recorded, and the same number of Cormorants, along with a handful of Tufted Duck. No shortage of nearby Black-headed Gulls but away on the islands to our far left scores of both Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Even a couple of Common Terns put in an appearance.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

With no sign of the local breeding Sand Martins we moved round to the Goosander Hide next to the artificial-created breeding bank.  On the way to the hide a we passed by the tall trees we recorded both Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff plus more Blackbirds.  Once inside the hide just the odd Black-headed Gull and Mallard on the water but the the appearance of the massed ranks of breeding Sand Martins as they ebbed to and from their nesting burrows. A calling Sedge Warbler finally put in a brief appearance and a Carrion Crow passed overhead.

Sand Martins Riparia riparia around their nesting site

Time to head off home but first a stop at the "George" next to the river bridge in nearby Fordingbridge for a quick drink.  Sitting on the terrace we watched the scores of Mallards being fed by visitors on the opposite bank and then, overhead, a score of jackdaw and even more Starlings above the roofs on the opposite side of the river.  Finally, a Kingfisher flashed down the (Hampshire) River Avon as it headed southwards.  Drink up and time to make our way back to Warsash via one of the more scenic routes through the New Forest.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Red Kite, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, House Martin, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Male Blackbird Turdus merula

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca with a few Coot Fulica atra

The Sand Martins Riparia riparia:

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Hamble River

Thursday 11 July

Warm and pleasant morning with no wind so a short walk up the Hamble River, Warsash to the conservation area and back whilst the tide was only an hour or so into its return journey. A continuous supply of individual and small groups of Black-headed Gulls but also 30 Black-tailed Godwits along the water line.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Once the first couple of Whimbrels had been recorded another pair and also a pair of Curlew.  A single Mallard was found amongst the feeding Black-tailed Godwits.  Whilst expected to see the occasional Woodpigeon and a pair of Carrion Crows, surprised to come across the resting two dozen Canada Geese on the shore line almost opposite the conservation area.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

At the back of the conservation area a trio of Little Egrets and a single Heron along with a couple of both Herring Gull and Oystercatcher.  Lovely to also see the Pied Wagtail working the edge of the path.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mallard, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Carrion Crow.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Oystercatcher Haemmatopus ostralegus

Redshank Tringa totanus

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

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Longparish, Hampshire

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Saturday 6 July

Only the five of us for today's field meeting of the Hampshire Ornithological Society (HOS) at Longparish, in the north of the county to explore the country lanes and River Test with its many minor tributaries, led by club member and local birder, Geoff Sharp.  A few very light, short showers at the start of the 4 mile walk so wet weather gear on from the start and very windy.  Fortunately, the showers quickly cleared away and did not return until the end of the walk and the continuous high hedges and roadside trees gave plenty of shelter from the wind.  all in all, a very pleasant morning in good company and almost 40 species recorded.

Besides the River Test

As soon as we arrived we continued to be in the presence of Woodpigeons and passing the local church encountered a field holding up to a dozen Rook, a trio of Carrion Crows and the first of a few local Jackdaw.  Also in the field the first of four Blackbirds noted on our walk. A good number of Greenfinches a few Chiffchaff were calling as we approached the Test and came across the first of three Herons.  Also present a lone Mallard.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

A Herring Gull flew over before we continued on to check out the trout pool and came across more Greenfinch and a couple of Goldfinch in the nearby trees and hedgerow plus a hurriedly departing Starling.  A Goldcrest put in a brief appearance before the local Spotted Flycatcher arrived for a short break.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Across the road time to check out the water and adjoining meadow.  Lots of resting Greylag and Canada Geese and on the water Mallards, a pair of Tufted Duck and Gadwall, five Coot and the resting Heron.  A couple of Pied Wagtails were working the bank and a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull made a very brief stop on the water.  Then, off to the side on the far left we found a Little Egret and the first Barn Swallow of the morning flew low over the meadow.

Greylag Geese Anser anser with Canada Goose in background

Continuing on along the narrow lane once we had crossed the ford, a quintet of Collared Doves as we passed the farm and a Kestrel resting on the wires behind.  looking back towards the river we saw our first Red Kite drifting over the trees and a couple of the group noticed the brief appearance of a Cormorant as it passed behind the trees.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Taking a left turn to an even narrower lane that took us over and around the minor tributaries of the Test, we came across a pair of Mute Swans with their three young cygnets..  A Moorhen scrambled across the the road and back into the water and ere long we were at a beautiful riverside setting just before the old, recently restored, mill.  A Buzzard landed in a large, bare tree in front of us before taking off once it noticed the approaching company.  Also over the water a dozen feeding Common Swifts and almost a score of House Martins accompanied by a handful of Barn Swallows.  A Cetti's Warbler was singing along with nearby Chaffinches and Chiffchaffs.

Pen Mute Swan Cygnus olor with her 3 cygnets

Cob Mute Swan at front

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

And so back o the village itself where Barry found the pair of Egyptian Geese feeding at the feet of a grazing horse.  Robin and House Sparrows noted in the gardens and, approaching out starting point, a pair of Red Kites overhead.  And with the cars in sight of us the next shower commenced!

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Spotted Flycatcher, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Rook, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Tributary from the trout pond

Mainly Canada Geese Branta canadensis plus a few Greylag Geese Anser anser at the trout pond

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Norwegian Birding

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Monday 1 July

Just Back from a week's cruise with Jenny to Norway on Cunard's new "Queen Anne."  Not intended as a birding holiday but, nevertheless, one cannot but keep an eye on the bird life whilst aboard ship and at one of our shore visits.  First port of call was the lovely city of Bergen, albeit arriving early afternoon for our six hour visit, where, without fail, you cam across both Common Gull and Eider Duck in the coastal area and Hooded Crows once on dry land.  A good number of Feral Pigeons as we walked along the quayside and then we took a local train for a ride up the valley to dale to visit the famous Norwegian Dale clothing business.  Unexpectedly, a Green Woodpecker was seen from the ride up  and quickly followed by a male Pied Flycatcher.  Making our way back to the city we saw Starlings and the final walk through the park back to the ship enabled us to comes across a number of Mallards on the lake and scavenging House Sparrows around those eating their picnics.  Naturally their was no shortage of Common Gulls around the dock area and even a "stray" Magpie.

Eider Ducks Somateria mollissima in Bergen harbour

The following day saw us in Flam.  Unable to get a ticket for the train ride, we took a local tour up to the magnificent viewpoint at Stegastein.  Not so much the House Sparrows and Common Gulls we had seen at the coast but on on the mountain first a Pied Wagtail followed by Robin and Chaffinch.  Then, as we approached the town on our return drive, a Barn Swallow over the water.

Common Gull Larus canus

Continuing on with our adventure the third port of call was Olden, and this time we actually berthed in the town rather than distant Loen by tender and a fifteen minute drive to the town.  In between our sight-seeing we also found the birds starting with a trio of feeding Magpies seen from our balcony in one of the nearby houses. A tour and circumnavigation of the nearby lake produced both Chaffinch and Tufted Duck with a couple of resting Common Gulls on the water.  Walking across the field to my right a lone Oystercatcher.  Back in the town, naturally, more House Sparrows around the shopping centre and then we sat for our picnic lunch watching a pair of Red-breasted Merganser on the water at relatively close quarters.  I took a walk across the bridge to the other side of the this small stretch of water to get a closer look and recorded both Pied Wagtail and Hooded Crow before noticing the pair of Mallard working their way upstream. More than a dozen Common Gulls with one pair keeping an eye on their well-developed chick and even a couple more of the latter upstream from the bridge as I made my way back.  And then alone Magpie feeding in he garden below me.

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Unfortunately, our fourth visit to Haugesund had to be cancelled due to the forecasted heavy storm coming in from Scotland.  Therefore, the captain took the ship a little further along the coast so that we could visit the Hardangerfjord, the world's fifth and Norway's second longest fjord, culminating in the large waterfall and eventually turning the ship round at Eidfjord before returning to the North sea.  Most, if not all, of the bird sightings came as we made our return journey and approaching the sea recorded a number of Common and Herring Gulls, a group of ten Eider Ducks were resting on a small island and then a Glaucous Gull flew past the ship. Ere long we even had a Great Black-backed Gull flying past the balcony.  Before nightfall we were once again out on the North Sea and there, following us over the now very rough waters, a couple of Cory's Shearwaters.

Common Gulls Larus canus

The final day at sea was a case of empty waters, until reading my book at the front of the forward lounge I noticed the white speck on the water below.  Picking up my binoculars I instantly recognised the Gannet which seemed to completely ignore the approaching Queen Anne but, presumably, made a hasty departure before trying to out-maneuver the might of a steel hull!

Common Gull Larus canus with single chick

Birds seen:     

Eider Duck, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Cory's Shearwater, Gannet, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull, Rock Dove, Green Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, Dipper, Robin, Pied Flycatcher, Magpie, Hooded Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch.

Common Gull Larus canus chicks

Magpie Pica pica

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

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