Hamble River, Warsash

Monday 5 January

Our first snow here in Warsash since our return from Spain over four years ago; but just a light overnight dusting and this morning started with bright sunshine in a clear blue sky.  All sorted and wrapped up well for a quick walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back as the water approached high tide.  Just the seventeen species in 45 minutes but still lovely to be out and about and see my regular species including a resting Buzzard atop one the tree as I made my way back to the start.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

No shortage of Wigeons and Brent Geese but seemed well spread out as did the the more than usual number of Teal.  a couple of Curlew took to the air as I made my way to Bunny Meadow where I found more resting Brent Geese and Wigeon along with over 20 Shelduck, a score of Teal, maybe 80 Dunlin and at least 18 Redshank.

Dunlin Calidris alpina with 2 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola (in centre) and Redshank Tringa totanus at bottom

On the other hand, a lone Little Grebe out on the river itself and almost thirty Grey Plover in amongst the Dunlin.  On the remining uncovered land of one of the river islands a dozen Black-headed and handful of Herring Gulls but once at the conservation area a further 30 Black-headed Gulls.  Three Carrion Crows recorded and a small flock of 8 Canada Geese resting in a garden at the back of the meadow.

Grey Plover Pluvialis Squarola (top) and pair of Teal Anas crecca

Making my way back to the exit from the river bank just the single Woodpigeon at almost home when I noted the resting Buzzard atop a bare tree.

Distant Buzzard Buteo buteo

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Buzzard, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Distant Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Curlew Numenius aquata

Grey Plover Pluvialis Squarola (top) and Teal Anas crecca

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Teal Anas crecca

Wigeon Anas penelope

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