Lower Hamble River, Warsash

Saturday 1 November

A lovely morning with a mix of bright blue skies and fluffy clouds but a very strong wind as I crossed the road and took the short walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back. Just a short walk resulting in 19 species.  No sooner on the river bank than a group of 32 Brent Geese the first of 8 Curlews seen plus a Black-headed Gull and a couple of Redshank.

Continuing on up the river more Brent Geese and regular sightings of both Curlew and Redshank along with a trio of Turnstone.  At the first outlet 49 resting Wigeon, a pair of feeding Great Crested Grebes and the first of four Herring Gulls to be seen.  On the muddy Bunny Meadow a small group of Black-tailed Godwits and a pair of Oystercatchers.  A small number of Carrion Crows were flying around and then a sole Ringed Plover near the water's edge as the tide continued to recede.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Once on the straight heading towards the conservation area a Rock Pipit on the path in front of me which then dropped down to the embankment on the meadow side. Now many more Black-headed Gulls and approaching the turning point another gathering of resting Wigeon plus over thirty Teal.  Resting of the river side a trio of Grey Plover and in the grassy edges between the meadow and large houses with their extended gardens, five Heron.  meanwhile, a Mute Swan was gradually moving up river close to the shore and hiding at the back of the conservation area the first Little Egret but three more found on the return walk.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Wigeon, Teal, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Black-ailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Rock Pipit, Carrion Crow.

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