Warsash and Solent Shore

Male Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Thursday 9 April

Some sunshine but cooler than yesterday's very warm sunshine and today with a moderate, cool breeze as I walked along the Warsash shore and on down to the Solent.  Mainly Black-headed and seven Herring Gulls with a small number of both Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks on the muddy beach below Strawberry Fields. Also in the are both Robins and Carrion Crow and upon reaching the navigation pier an Oystercatcher and the sight of 35 resting Brent Geese.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

A Heron flew over the Spit and once near the lee side a pair of Mute Swans.  Passing through the small spinney both Wren and Great Tit and then on down to the Scrape.  On the way a pair of Linnet and at least three soaring and singing Skylarks.

Mute Swans Cygnus olor

Once at the Scrape many resting Black-headed Gulls and a pair of Shelduck.  But also resting behind the ducks a male Goosander.  Also seen a lone a Little Grebe and a pair of Mallard.

Continuing on down to the Meandering Pool I found my first Wheatear of the year as I passed through the gorse area.  A most handsome male.  Upon arriving at the pool both a Little Egret and another pair of resting Shelduck.  A lone Cormorant was fishing just off the shore.

Male Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

The return journey produced first a Moorhen and then a Blackbird along with a Curlew before arriving at the navigation pier.  A Cetti's Warbler was calling and, finally, the only Woodpigeon of the morning approaching Strawberry Fields. Approaching home, the very last tree on the walk produced a single Blue Tit.

Soaring SkyLark Alauda arvensis

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Goosander, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Wren, Robin, Wheatear, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Linnet.

GreyHeron Ardea cinerea

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

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