Weston Shore, Southampton

Friday 16 January

Mute Swans Cygnus olor amongst the very many gulls and Carrion Crows on Weston Shore

After more rain following yesterday's but the weather eventually cleared up with a bright, sunny afternoon and mainly clear blue skies and just a light breeze.  Even a temperature of almost double figures so off down to nearby Southampton Water at Weston Shore to see if the Black-throated Diver was still about.  Seen this morning but now, with a low, bright sun facing me, unable to find the bird.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

On the shore with a receding tide numerous Herring and Black-headed Gulls along with a total of 15 Mute Swans.  Also seen a quartet of Curlew and a score of Oystercatchers.  Out in mid-channel a quintet of Great Crested Grebes and all around me, on the beach, in the trees and bushes as well as in the air, so many Carrion Crows.  Also wandering around a dozen or so Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons).

Mute Swans Cygnus olor

Scope away and time for a wander round the woods on the other side of the road.  Climbing a slight incline I came across a Jay on the path and then both Robin and Great Tit in close order.  Lots of Blue Tits about and even a quartet of Goldcrests counted.  As I left the wood a very noisy Nuthatch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker having a good go at a nearby tree.  Making my way back to the car I came across a Blackbird in front of me and a pair of Brent Geese on the water close to shore.

On way back I stopped at Sophie's Pond near  to the entrance to Victoria Park, Netley and came a cross a pair of Mallard and a trio of Moorhen.  Lots of "messing about" on the water behind the trees near the Mallards but unable to positively claim to have seen the Mandarin Duck recorded this morning.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, carrion Crow, Starling.

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.