River Itchen; Bitterne, Southampton to Mansbridge

Friday 29 May

At last the heat has retreated and with no wind a perfect morning for birding.  Collected by friend, Richard Osman at 9am we headed over to Cobden Bridge, Bitterne over the River Itchen where, having safely parked the car, took a leisurely stroll upstream to the White Swan at Mansbridge and following a rest and refreshing pint made the return journey back to Bitterne.  Almost five miles in total and whereas the outward journey took 1hour 40 minutes, it was an hour quicker on the return as no longer counting species - but we did record three new species: Mistle Thrush, Starling and a single Barn Swallow. 

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

With a full high tide all morning there were scores of resting Herring Gulls on the lower river but a number of Black-headed Gulls seen higher up as we approached Mansbridge.  Also on the lower water, a good sized flock of Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) being fed by the children whilst out on the water the first of three Black Swans.  Likewise, Mallard numbers rapidly increased as we made our way upstream with a final total of 84.

Black Swan Cygnus atratus

We had already recorded a couple of Magpies when we reached the starting point of our riverside walk and during outward journey not only added more but also almost three score Carrion Crows and at least two dozen Jackdaws.  To add to the corvids, regular recordings of Robin and Wren plus singing Blackcaps and the occasional Blackbird.  No shortage of Woodpigeons but pleasing to also add a pair of Stock Dove and a Collared Dove.  But, perhaps best of all, no sooner had a pair of Ring-necked Parakeets flown by us than we came across a long-resting individual in the trees on the opposite bank.

Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri

A Long-tailed Tit was seen in a tree on the opposite bank after crossing the main road at Woodmill and then we came across seven Greylag Geese and seventeen more a hundred yards up river.  Having seen a lone Canada Goose we then found, with the larger goose flock, a further pair accompanied by a single well-grown gosling.  In total, three Moorhen were also recorded.

Greylag Goose Anser anser

Richard was first to note the Red Kite high in the skies above the trees and moments later we watched a quartet circling high above us.  Then, almost at the White Swan, we had both Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff and on the opposite bank a few yards beyond the pub, a pair of resting Mute Swans.  Whilst 25 seemed a good return for our leisurely walk, the three added species on the return walk was a welcome addition, especially the Barn Swallow and Mistle Thrush.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Black Swan, Mallard, Red Kite, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Ring-necked Parakeet, Barn Swallow, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling.

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