Titchfield Haven

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Friday 14 August

Collected Richard Osman at 8.15 then straight to the Meon mouth at Hill Head to check and visit Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve.  Arriving twenty minutes later we first checked the lake from the roadside viewing point before walking on the harbour and sailing club to check the Solent itself before returning to enter the reserve itself.  Already very warm and sunny so will only be staying until just after 10.30.

Also the first visit to Titchfield Haven Reserve this year where we found the water in front of the Meon Hide awash with bird life, mainly Canada Geese and Common Terns but also the close Common Sandpiper and a lone Gadwall amongst the Mallards.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Lots of resting Common Terns on the lake plus a number of Black-headed Gulls and, on the water, a dozen or so Mallard.  On the far bank a handful of Redshank and couple of Moorhen plus a juvenile Water Rail and a lone Lapwing. Making our way to the harbour more Black-headed Gulls and Mallards and then, from the sailing club, lots of Herring Gulls along with a single great Black-backed Gull and a small number of Turnstone.  Richard noticed the overflying Cormorant.  Working our way back to the car and then on the nature reserve entrance we found a Goosander fishing in the harbour.

Some of the many Common Terns Sterna hirundo found on the roadside lake

Once in the reserve straight to the Meon Hide where we spent much time checking the mass of birds present.  Scores of Canada Geese and Common Terns along with plenty of Black-headed Gulls.  The small island immediately in front of the hide held a pair of juvenile Common Terns still being fed by both parents and a single Common Sandpiper.  A second sandpiper was found on the island beyond.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Towards the back on the remaining islands and far shore more of the same but also a single Black-tailed Godwit, a couple of Oystercatchers and three Grey Herons.  But centre water towards the back we also found a quartet of Avocet.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Eventually we left the hide and made our way down the western side to the Pumfrett Hide we came across both Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff and from the hide views of the back of the Meon water with a half-dozen Black-tailed Godwits, the Oystercatchers and Common Terns.  Also closer views of the Herons and another along with three Lapwing and a handful of resting Black-headed Gulls and the dried up lake to our left.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea and so many Common Terns Sterna hirundo

Working our way back towards Titchfield and Richard's home, as expected, we came across the Jackdaws near the cemetery in Posbrook Lane.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Goosander, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Water Rail, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Mainly Canada Geese Branta canadensis accompanied by Common Terns Sterna hirundo with a lone Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta in the foreground right.

Titchfield Haven from the Meon Hide

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.