Titchfield Canal

Saturday 5 April 

At Titchfield Canal by 8.20 on a lovely sunny start to the day with clear blue skies but still the strong, cold wind. A pair of Canada Geese flew over the car park as I was about to start my walk along the canal and then quickly followed by the sight of Robin, Blackbird, Great and Blue Tits.  making my way around the copse at the back of the car park I soon added Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff and Pheasant and then off down the canal walk.

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Lots of calling Cetti's Warbler as well as the Chiffchaffs and then time to check Bridge Street Flood where I found mainly Mallards but also a few Pintail, Teal and a couple of Shelduck accompanied by a good-sized flock of Black-tailed Godwits.  Also present a number of Canada Geese plus the occasional Coot and a handful of Cormorants.

Mute Swans, more Shoveler and Teal on Posbrook Flood but no sign of the "resident" Glossy Ibis. At the back a couple Little Egret and three Herons.  Most of the Canada Geese were on or around this water but still the single Greylag Geese resting on the grass as I approached the water. Both Magpies and Carrion Crows seen overhead and then the first sighting of the many singing Wrens.  At the far end of the avenue a handful of Jackdaw and more Robins along with a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker.  

Greylag Goose Anser anser

As I started my return journey to the car park a male Kestrel was hunting at the northern end of the water and once back at Bridge street Flood I noticed the pair of Stock Doves resting to the side of the former barn Owl's nesting nest.

Male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Leaving the scope in the car I then took the short walk further up the canal to Titchfield Church recording both Chaffinch and Greenfinch along with a pair of Mallards on the canal itself.  Starting to make my way back a couple of Magpies to the left and then a raptor hire above the wires which looked very much like a Sparrowhawk but, especially after checking the record shots, able to confirm a s a Goshawk.  back at the car park a resting Starling on the roof of the first house.

Distant, high Goshawk Accipiter gentillis

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Coot, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker,  Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

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