Normandy Lagoon

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Wednesday 8 October 

Dull and overcast but quite still and the sun trying to break through following much traffic delay in my journey through the New Forest to Normandy Lagoon.  This time a complete circuit including the newly discovered path at the back to prevent me having to retrace my steps. And most productive it was, too, by providing a Pheasant and most of the small birds.

No sooner had I arrived at the water than I found a pair of Spotted Redshank and a large number of Teal  In the distance a dozen or so Canada Geese along with a lone Cormorant and the first two of about ten Little Egrets seen during the three hour observation of the area.  A dozen Little Grebe were also feeding at the back of the water.  Also present a few Common Redshank and a couple of Lapwing before I found the two Avocet.  Right below me a pair Wheatears and Meadow Pipits along with nearby Pied Wagtails.  The resident Stonechats put in an appearance as Chiffchaff flitted through the shrubs below.  And we were also able o find a Willow Warbler in the tree at the end of the side walk before bearing left.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula with many Dunlin Calidris alpina

Moving on the back sea wall chance to observe the 250+ Ringed Plovers and Dunlin.  In with these delightful small waders at least three Curlew Sandpipers and then the later arrival of 5 Grey Plovers, one still in almost perfect summer plumage.  A good handful of Turnstone noted foraging on the largest island in the lagoon.

Record shot of Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

A chance to check the islands in the Solent where not only more Little Egrets but a resting flock of Oystercatchers and a Spoonbill.  In terms of gulls, just the one Black-headed Gull seen all morning.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola  in almost full summer plumage

Lots of, presumably, newly arrived Teal plus half a dozen Pintail and a handful of Mallard but no Wigeon this morning.

Pintail Anas acuta

As suggested above, continuing to the end of the lagoon and taking the path through the boatyard followed by another path back to Maiden Lane and the car I was able to record Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Blue Tit and Rook to add to the Woodpigeons, Carrion Crows and Magpies previously seen as I approached the lagoon.

Distant Dunnock Prunella modularis

A quick check at the Acre Pond produced a Heron and more Mallards before heading back to Warsash with a handful of Jackdaws in Brockenhurst and a similar number of Rock Doves on the lines approaching Lyndhurst, so giving a final total of 45 species for the morning. 

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea with Cormorant Phalacorax carbo (in front)

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Linnet.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis 

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Redshank Tringa totanus with a lone Curlew Numenius arquata

Mainly Dunlin Calidris alpina

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola  (at back) with Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

The 5 Grey Plover Grey Pluvialis squatarola 

Note the Kingfisher Alcedo atthis atop the far post

A group of Teal Anas crecca

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.