Warsash Hamble River

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Sunday 8 September

Following immediately overhead thunder and lightening and the heaviest rain I had seen since returning from Spain almost three years ago, the weather eventually improved and the sun came out amongst the broken cloud.  Time to, therefore, take a short walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back just before 1pm to see what might be about with the approaching high tide.  The good news was that the incoming tide had pushed the birds up nearer to the path but, on the other hand, the heavy rain left me trying to navigate around the edges of the large puddles where the rain had multi-flooded the path.  So, noting the waiting Magpie outside the door, I set off for the river.

Herring Gulls Larus argentatus

A number of Black-headed and a handful of Herring Gulls before coming across a Little Egret and then the first of the very many Black-tailed Godwits. A solitary Mallard was also swimming just off shore.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

A lone Ringed Plover and then a couple of Redshank before reaching the conservation area.  But there had been many more Black-headed Gulls and Little Egrets, nine of the latter, in addition to the dozens of Black-tailed Godwits.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Once at the conservation area many resting Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks plus four Greenshank.  In addition, six Little Egrets and a quintet of Sandwich Terns resting on the fence.

The five Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis

Birds seen:

Mallard, Little Egret, Heron, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Sandwich Tern, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Redshank Tringa totanus

Roosting Redshanks T.totanus

More Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

A roosting mixture including 4 Greenshank Tringa nebularia at the back

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Oxey and Normandy Marshes

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Saturday 7 August 

Fourteen members of HOS at the first meet in October at Oxey and Normandy Marshes led, as usual, by that enthusiastic, knowledgeable and experience preferred leader, Ian Packer.  Excellent birding in, for most of the three mile anti-clockwise walk, calm and cloudy weather but with light rain forecast from around midday, hence the last minute decision to actually carry my rain trousers as well as the mack!  In the event, the first few drops of rain did not fall until gone 1.30 as a couple of us decided time to perhaps head back to the cars after checking out Normandy Lagoon.  Bid of the day?  Probably either the Rock Pipit or Sparrowhawk.

Heading off to the path behind Maiden Dock past the Salturns Sailing Club we stopped in the leafy avenue for a good time checking the active birds in the trees and neighbouring bushes.  A few Chiffchaff then a number of both Great and Blue Tits.  Within minutes we had also added a handful of Long-tailed Tits along with Robin, Blackbird and Nuthatch. A Jay flew through the trees and then, in the bushes on the northern side of the path, a couple of Whitethroat, Blackcap and Dunnock.  A few of the group also noted a Chaffinch.  A Magpie was resting atop the adjacent bare branch and overhead both Carrion Crow and Woodpigeon.  Moving along a little further many more of the tits and Chiffchaff in the small treed to the left and over the meadow opposite a trio of Sand Martin along with  handful each of both Barn Swallow and House Martins.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Time to take the narrow path towards the shore with a dozen Canada Geese in the field to our right. A trio of Starling flew over right to left and in the opposite direction a half-dozen Cormorant.  Just before passing through the gate we took a closer look at the western end of Moses Dock and found a couple of Little Egret, a few Mallard, single Teal and a Redshank.  No sooner had the lone Black-headed Gull passed over and we all had a good sighting of the Kingfisher as it dashed across the water before returning to rest amongst the leaves of an oak tree at the water's edge.  Continuing on on the main track away to our right we saw a couple of House Sparrows feeding on the blackberries and away to our left a distant Heron.  Finally, approaching the path up to the sea wall, we stopped to admire the male Wheatear to our right before finding both Black-tailed Godwit and Redshanks at the western end of Oxey Lagoon.  Meanwhile at the astern end of Pennington Lagoon on our right, a pair of Mute Swans and a quartet of Little Egrets.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Once up on the seawall the birds seemed to come thick and fast starting with a group of six Eider Duck on the Solent close to shore.  At the end of the spit revealed by the lower water level a Curlew and number of Oystercatchers plus a singe Herring Gull.  The small number of birders from another party just ahead with raised cameras drew my attention and reaching them I, too, was able to see the foraging Rock Pipit.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Moving on and checking Oxey Lagoon e found more Black-tailed Godwit and both Redshank and Greenshank.  A small spring of Teal took off from the water and, on the far shore sharing space with the ponies, a quartet of Yellow, a few members also saw Pied Wagtails.  Nearby on the grass a single Skylark, Lapwing and, by now, scores of foraging Starling.  Excitement overhead as a Raven passed by harried by a Carrion Crow whilst over the sea a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull along with more Black-headed Gulls. Meanwhile, out on the Solent the first Great Crested Grebe of the morning and a single Turnstone flew west along the shore.  On the far side, another Eider Duck. On the far "island" a pair of Great Black Gulls and another would be found resting at Normandy Lagoon.

Lovely to see the Eiders Somateria mollissima

Moving round towards the salterns marsh we watched the arrival of a lone Shelduck and then stopped the watch a small charm of Goldfinch with a number of Linnets arrive at the blackberry bushes to our left.  far away in the distance a circling Buzzard and so on to Maiden Dock.  Here another pair of Mute Swan and on the gravel "island" near Moses Dock a dozen Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) and at least 150 resting Ringed Plovers plus a very small number of Dunlin.

Lots of Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula

And so on to Normandy Lagoon where we spent some time, including a stop for our picnic lunch - and sang "Happy Birthday" to Amanada Cameron.  Some observed a Greenfinch as we approached and noted that many of the Ringed Plover had now moved across to this lagoon where there were more Dunlin but not in great numbers.  Lots of Redshank and another Greenshank before being joined by a single Grey Plover. 

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

In addition to the Black-headed Gulls and a few Canada Geese at the back of the water we also found Oystercatcher, Heron and both Little and Great Crested Grebes.  Just two Turnstone in with the Ringed Plovers but watching from the steps, "Tern Island" held a single resting Mediterranean Gull and on a post on the far side a resting Sparrowhawk.  The raptor moved abut whilst we watched and I even manged to find it sitting on an open post in side elevation rather than with its back towards us.  However, it was soon moved away by a Magpie that took its place but remained on a nearby post although much concealed by the surrounding foliage.

The resting Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus about to be ousted by a Magpie Pica pica 

A great morning's birding in great company, even if we (I) did not find the recently seen Little Stint and neither Curlew Sandpiper nor Spotted Redshank present on this occasion but, on the other hand, Jackdaws seen as I passed through both Lyndhurst and Lymington in both directions.

Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Teal, Eider Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Skylark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Rock Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Blackbird, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Two Turnstone Arenaria interpres with the Ringed Plovers

Dunlin Calidris alpina plus 4 Redshank (awaiting confirmation as they look more like Spotted Redshank)

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Little Egret Egretta garzetta assurting his authority

Grey Heron Ardea Cinerea

A vert lonely Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Departing Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Yet more Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

The distant Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

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Hook with Warsash Nature Reserve

Sunday 1 September

Off from home at 9am and so much for the dire predictions of an amber weather warning of heavy thunderstorms and lightning with sudden, dangerous risk of flooding as, arriving at the top of Workmans Lane we started our clockwise circuit via a diversion to the horse fields then on to the Solent shore and back to Warsash via the Scrape. Dry and relatively calm to start with and just  few scattered clouds but becoming warmer and warmer without a single drip of rain (all day) and the temperature reaching its predicated afternoon high of 27C before noon.  Great to be out and about and enjoying the continuation of summer!

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima

By the time we had reach the track along the bottom of the horse fields we had recorded Carrion Crow, Magpie, Robin and Woodpigeon and once near the horses themselves a quartet of yellow wagtails of to the left.  Beyond the horses many more Carrion Crows along with a trio of Rooks. In the donkey paddock area a couple of Stonechat and a handful of Linnet but neither Whinchat nor Wheatear. A walk to the far end also provided neither but upon returning a charm of almost twenty Goldfinch drinking from the puddles on the track and resting in the nearby leafy bushes. A couple of Whitethroat was a pleasant addition and then a raven passed overhead moving from the horse field to the distant trees beyond the donkey paddock.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

A Dunnock suddenly appeared at the bottom of the e large bush to the right of the donkey field gate and, whilst watching the mix of Goldfinches and Linnets in the bushes at the back of the stable a Sparrowhawk swooped down and chased a, presumably Linnet, but without success before disengaging its predation and moving away.  A very high and distant Herring Gull was noted in the same distant area followed by a trio of Barn Swallows making their way eastwards.  Making our way back to the lane, not only Carrion Crows and a few Rooks away to our right but now joined by a dozen Jackdaw taking advantage of the horse trough for some liquid refreshment.

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Moving from the lane to take the tarmacked path down to Chilling Head we herd regular calls from a nearby Green Woodpecker and once on the shore the sight of five Cormorants on the water.  A male Kestrel was hovering above us to the right and a couple of Black-headed Gulls were seen close to the shore moving up Southampton Water. Soon we were at the Meandering Pools where we found a single Little Egret and a Black-headed Gull.  Continuing on, passing through the gorse are we added a Skylark plus another Stonechat and a couple of Linnets. Then, at the far end where we re-joined the beach, a couple of Wheatear resting on the new fence pots.  A third Wheatear was then found a little further along towards the Scrape.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Once at the Scrape with its high water level given that the tide was at its zenith, a small number of resting Mallard on the first islands and a handful of Avocet.  A few more Black-headed Gulls resting on the "shelf" towards the back along with a couple Herring Gulls, single Oystercatcher, more Avocets and a score of Black-tailed Godwits.  A lone Moorhen was working its way along the shelf between the gulls and waders.  On the water itself at least four Little Grebe and a newly-arrived Little Egret from the north.  Meanwhile a Cetti's Warbler was calling from immediately below us.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Once past the first viewing point we stopped to look back at the water and now giving us a clear view of the northern end and noted the single Heron resting at the side of small island along with a few more Mallard and another Moorhen.  The long-staying single Shelduck was making its way across the water surrounded by a quintet of Mallard. 

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

So back to the Spit where we came across eight House Sparrows and a quartet of resting Little Egrets at the far end. Finally arriving at the harbour, on checking the little pie aside the car pack Richard found a wandering Pied Wagtail to complete the morning's birding after almost three and a half hours during which we had walked just over three miles.  Time to adjourn to the "Rising Sun" for a pint!

Pied Wagatil Motacilla alba yarrelli

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Back-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Skylark, Barn Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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Workmans Lane, Warsash

Friday 30 August

Gathered horses seem to attract the Yellow Wagtails

A late afternoon visit to walk down Workmans Lane to the horse fields proved most successful.  Once arriving at the donkey paddock, I soon found a lone Wheatear whilst opposite, where most of the horses seemed to have been corralled, at least 10 Yellow and five Pied Wagtails.  A further two Yellow Wagtails were found on the main field once I had moved round the corner at top left.  On the opposite side of the path the field held a further two Wheatear.  A little further to the right the large bush suddenly played host to the arrival of 8 Linnet.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flamissima

A trio of Starlings passed over me to add to the lone Magpie seen in the donkey paddock, at least six Woodpigeon and eight Carrion Crows.  All this in forty-five minutes, including the walk down and back up the lane from and to the parked car, with only a single Robin to add during the walk.

Linnits Carduelis cannabina

Birds seen:

Kestrel, Woodpigeon, Robin, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flamissima

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrelli

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New Forest Birding

Marsh Tit Parus palustris

Wednesday 28 August

Arriving at Blashford Lakes in the New Forest slightly north of Ringwood just after 9 on a warm, sunny start to the day I went straight to the path along the northern shore of Rockford Lake in the hope of finding the recent Red-crested Pochard.  But it was not to be albeit I did see a number of Tufted Duck, Coot and a Great Crested Grebe.  As I was making my way there from the parked car I also recorded Robin, Jackdaw and Blackbird and on the return short walk added both Nuthatch and Woodpigeon. Then on to the Goosander Hide over looking Ibsley Water to join three other birders/photographers and during my stay encountered a Jay flying over the water and then a score or more Gadwall plus many Coot.  A Heron was resting to the right before overflying to the edge on the left and below me a couple of Sand Martins visiting the artificial colony.  Just outside the bay a Cormorant was resting on the "perching stick" and immediately to its right a sight of the long-staying Ruddy Shelduck (more often seen from the Tern Hide).

Distant record shot of Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea

Moving round to the Tern Hide at the official car park I was immediately greeted by the scores of Coot all over the water.  Both the Cormorant and Ruddy Shelduck could still be seen in the same area and then a check to my immediate left produced a number of Tufted Duck whereas spread amongst the Coot were very many Great Crested Grebes.  To my right the small island was full of Egyptian Geese and then, on the extreme right shingle bank, a foraging Green Sandpiper. A total of 29 Mute Swans were counted and around the banks and islands at the far end numerous Egyptian Geese.  Indeed, the larger of the far islands also held a number of Cormorant and a score of Lapwing.  On the grassy bank to the far left a foraging Magpie led me to see the pair of Buzzards, presumably feeding on worms.  My next task was to scour the groups of Coot in the mid-distance to find the recently-arrived Black-necked Grebe in which I was successful.  But distance and the constant diving of the grebe prevented any chance of a reasonable photograph.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Moving over to the main reserve I started at the Woodland Hide but no feeders resulted in no birds to be seen.  All the feeders had been removed, presumably to encourage the birds to get used to finding their own food. Moving on the the Ivy South Hide I noted the Moorhen on the Silt Pond on the right but once inside very little to be seen.  The Cormorants in the nest atop a high tree to the left had still not fledges and apart from a Great Crested Grebe just  couple of juvenile Black-headed Gulls.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus with fish

Passing through the trees to access the Ivy North Hide all was quiet and the hide produced a handful of Mallard and a few more Coot. So, once again, back to the original sight overlooking Rockford Lake but still no sighting of the Red-crested Pochard.  I did, however, manage to add a Wren to the morning's sightings. Then off to Eyeworth noting the pair of Collared Doves as I departed.

Tufted Ducks Aythya fuligula

No sooner had I left the lakes to take the country route than a Stonechat crossed the road just after the ford to my left and ere long a party of feeding Linnets.  Half-way along the route a Meadow Pipit at the side of the road and then, approaching Fritham, a pair of Carrion Crows followed by a handful of Starlings.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

As I approached Eyeworth Pond a pair of Barn Swallows above and a Magpie on the grass and then, once parked facing the water, a dozen Mallards happily accepting the food offered by visitors. Here, plenty of birds feeding on the provided seeds on fence post and gate.  First up a pair of Nuthatch and the constant arrival of a Marsh Tit.  Both Blue and Great Tits along with a Robin and a handful of House Sparrows.  Eventually a small number of Chaffinches arrived plus a Blackbird.  Taking time to check the back of the water I found a pair of Mandarin Duck in eclipse plumage and a Moorhen near the reedbed to the right.  having now recoded 40 species during the morning I mad my way home with a Woodpigeon watching my departure.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata in eclipse plumage

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Mandarin Duck, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch.

Blue Tits Parus caeruleus

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

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