Hamble River, Warsash

Tuesday 30 June  

After all the excitement and drama a fortnight ago when I passed out and also later learnt that I had broken my back whilst visiting RSPB Pagham with friend friend Richard, it was time I, thought, that I actually got out of the house for the first time and took a gentle walk up Hamble River to the conservation area and back, albeit at mid-morning the tide was already almost full in.  As to be expected, not much to be seen but certainly surprised to find a trio of resting Black-tailed Godwits in full summer plumage at the conservation area along with a lone Grey Heron.

Black-tailed Godwit, Limosa limosa

The outward walk had produced the expected gulls with five Herring and almost thirty Black-headed Gulls along with a couple of Oystercatchers.  A Pied Wagtail pass by as I walked above the now flooding Bunney Meadow and in one of the distant gardens both a Magpie and Woodpigeon.  Making my way back a Carrion Crow now in one of the larger gardens on my left and on the last remaining (small) island a foraging Curlew.  Not only had I reached double figures in the 55 minutes but walking the short path between shore and road a male Blackbird to complete the sightings.

Curlew Numenius aquata

The walk has been good for me to go with the last three days free of a pain-killer and a question of making a full recovery as the heart settles down and the cracked vertebrae heals itself, fortunately not having been displaced.  All being well, longer walks next week and, hopefully, driving again.

Blackbird Turdus merula

Birds seen:

Heron, Oystercatcher, Black-tiled Godwit, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

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