Warsash and Solent Shores

 Saturday 17 August

Sun still shining and tide now almost out so a second walk of the day down to and along Warsash shore to the Solent. Not too many Black-headed Gulls at first along with a few Black-tailed Godwit and the occasional Oystercatcher.  Approaching the pier at the School of Navigation far more Oystercatchers and Black-tailed Godwits along with a number of Black-headed and a handful of Herring Gulls.  On the other hand, only a couple of Carrion Crows so far.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Once at the Spit and able to observed the inner water and neighbouring mudflats, very any Black-tailed Godwits and Black-headed Gulls along with a single Little Egret and a passing Woodpigeon.

Great White Egret Egretta alba

Moving on down to the Scrape a quartet of resting Canada Geese along with 17 Avocet, a single Shelduck and Little Grebe plus forty Mallard. Scoping the water I also added a trio of Moorhen and a Coot before finding the single Common Sandpiper.  Only a handful of Black-headed Gulls but a couple of resting Common Terns.  Then, over to the far back right of the water, the appearance of a Great White Egret which stayed for a couple of minutes before departing northwards towards Warsash.

Common Sandpiper Actitus hypoleucos

Making my way to the Meandering Pools all was quiet save for a couple of Magpie on the far side and then an incoming Grey Heron. So back towards home and recording a number of Linnet on the way plus a flock of Starling.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

However, back in the small copse next to the former observation post foundations both Chiffchaff and a Common Redstart noted before then finding a Collared Dove departing from the beach as I approached Strawberry Fields. A very pleasant couple of hours.

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Great White Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Redstart, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet.

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