Hamble River, Warsash

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus

Friday 25 September

Mid-afternoon and the tide now just about out so took w walk across the road and on down to the Hamble River for a walk up to the conservation area and back to see if the recently visiting Lapland Bunting might still be about.  A few Black-headed and even fewer Herring Gulls about along with a number of Redshanks as I made my way past the ferry landing stage.  Stopping to check the resting Cormorant and then a handful of Ringed Plovers I noted, up ahead of me, the small group of birders which would seem to indicate that the Lapland Bunting had been located.

Yes, the bird was happily foraging in a very small area of vegetation of no more than a square metre right next to the main path and so giving wonderful, if obstructed, views which would require a lot of patience if wanting a half-decent photograph.  (If checking your relevant "Bird Guide," please remember that this bird is also often referred to as a "Lapland Longspur."

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus

With the bird still foraging amidst the undergrowth I took the walk up to the  conservation area, noting the Curlew that passes overhead, where I found the first Wigeon had arrived for the winter to join the two score Teal.  Also present a lone Greenshank and six resting Grey Herons.  On the sheltered water beyond the old wreck a single Little Grebe.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Eight Canada Geese were also resting in the area and a couple of Carrion Crows were also seen.  IAfter the six Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) had arrived I started on my way back and finished with twenty species sighted as I recorded both an overflying Rook and a couple of Magpies as I left the site.

A mixed group of (from back left): Greenshank Tringa nebularia, Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus, Wigeon Anas penelope, Teal Anas crecca, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Lapland Bunting.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia 

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus

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