Titchfield Shore and Hayling Island

 Wednesday 7 January

The last morning with Derek and Barbara so an early morning visit to the Meon shore at Titchfield Haven and then on to Hayling Island.  Arriving at the Meon shore having noted the Moorhen as we crossed the canal and the Pied Wagtail walking along the road at the car park, we spent 50 minutes checking both the shore and lagoon from the observation area and corner bridge.

Teal Anas crecca

On the lagoon in low, bright sunlight a number of Lapwing and plus mainly Shoveler along with Teal, Mallard and Gadwall.  A couple of Little Grebe and a handful of Coot were also present .  A Heron was basking next to the reeds on the far side and over the fence into the reserve proper very many resting Teal and Wigeon.  Further away watched the departing quartet of Canada Geese and then a couple of Marsh Harriers over the trees at the back accompanied by Carrion Crows and a Magpie whilst a Kestrel rested atop the distant hide.

Heron Ardea cinerea

Walking past the harbour we noted the pair of Mute Swans along with both Coot and Mallard in the water and a Little Grebe near the road bridge gates. A Kingfisher was resting on one of the moored boats.  But just the one Redshank on show. On to the path ion front of the yacht club so we could check the beach itself where we found very many gulls, mainly Black-headed but also a few Herring, Common and a single Great Black-backed Gull.

Very many Oystercatchers and Dunlin plus a single Ringed Plover amongst the score of Sanderling.  The Brent Geese were fewer in number and more away to the south.  Just the one Little Egret as we made our departure to Hayling Island having already recoded 32 species.

An initial stop was made at the Ship Inn car park before crossing the bridge onto Hayling Island and amazed to find so many birds in front to us.  very main gulls, mainly Black-headed but also Herring and a couple of Common Gulls.  A large flock of Black-tailed plus a couple of Bar-tailed Godwits then came the scores of Dunlin and many Brent Geese.

2 Brent Geese Branta bernicla with Dunlin Calidris alpina

Moving on to the island's northern car park we found Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwits in the bay along with a couple of Little Stint and a Knot.  Shelduck, Grey Plover and Redshanks were also present.

Distant shot of Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Moving on to the Billy Line we walked out to the former bridge to check the main harbour and found a quartet of Great Crested Grebes along with both a Goldeneye and a single Slavonian Grebe. From here it was back to the main path with Teal and Shoveler on the pool to our left and then the path past the former oyster beds noting the air of Magpie ahead of us.  Out on the main water a single Red-breasted Merganser and more Redshanks and Curlew but once at the main pool with its thin rocky island a further two Red-breasted Mergansers along with half-dozen Tufted Duck.

Record shot of distant Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Making our way back to the car park we recorded both Blue and Great Tits along with Blackbirds, Robins and Starlings.  And as we passed the pond on our right we noted the arrival of both Mallards and a Herring Gull.  Just round the corner we added a Dunnock, our last bird of the morning giving a final total of 52 species.

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, red-breasted Merganser, Little Grebe, Little grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh harrier, Kestrel. Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Little Stint, Dunlin, Bar-tiled Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Pied Wagtail, Dunlin, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow.

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Three days birding with Derek and Barbara Etherton

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Monday 5 January

Very pleased to welcome Derek and Barbara Etherton from Spain who were able to spend three days with us in Warsash, which obviously meant time for some excellent birding.  Mid-afternoon Monday but still time for a short walk up towards the conservation area on the Hamble River as high tide approached -but bitterly cold and a very low setting sun.  Only 19 species recorded and no camera but able to confirm good numbers of both Brent Geese and Wigeon plus approaching a hundred in the Dunlin flock.

More Teal than usually seen (over 40) and in amongst the two score Black-tailed we also found a couple of Bar-tailed Godwits. Just a quartet of Curlew but 27 Shelduck and a small number of Redshank plus a lone Turnstone.

Tuesday 6 January

But today saw we three head out to the New Forest to visit the Keyworth and Pennington Marshes with a start of Normandy Lagoon.  But not straight away as we diverted our outward journey to make a stop in Holbury so that my friends could see the long-staying Great-tailed Grackle.  There the bird was upon arrival, sitting in the branch of a tree opposite its adopted home and even "singing" albeit drawing no attention from the nearby Carrion Crows and Starlings!  The Magpie was not interested, nor even the Dunnock and Robin.

Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus

Moving on to Lymington passing a perched Kestrel we arrived at Normandy Marsh by 9.40 and were greeted by a field full of Canada and Brent Geese.  Stopping at the gate and approaching the fence to check what else might be about we were in time to see the departure of both a Green Woodpecker and Song Thrush.  Almost next to us a single Barnacle Goose resting with the larger Canada Geese. In a clearing between the hundreds of geese a handful of Curlew and Black-tailed Godwits.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

Continuing on down to the end of the lane to park the car and walk to Normandy Lagoon a continuous supply of Robins along with the occasional Chaffinch, Great and Blue Tits plus a Dunnock. And as we set off to the gate a male Bullfinch flew out of the tree in front of us.  As we approached the sea wall a handful of Meadow Pipits on the grass in front.

Pintails Anas acuta and Wigeon Anas penelope

Once on the sea wall, still bright and sunny albeit the temperature still below zero, the spectacle of the lagoon almost covered with ice and very little open water upon which rested the gathered mixed duck flock.  probably manly Wigeon but also many Pintail plus Shelduck, Shoveler, Teal and Mallard. Not too many resting Black-headed Gulls and just a couple of Cormorants. Four Little Egrets also seen.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

In the canal between the sea wall and the lagoon a single Avocet and both Spotted Redshank and Common Redshank along with a quartet of Greenshank. A Turnstone flew across the beach in front of us and most of the many Lapwing seemed to be well spread out across the site.

Spotted Redshank (centre) with Common Redshank Tringa totanus (above)

Waling along the front sea wall we could see the both the Dunlin flock and a small number of Ringed Plover. A Kingfisher flew up and down the canal on a couple of occasions.  Further out in the lagoon a Great Crested Grebe and a handful more of Avocet.

Dunlin Caladris alpina

Looking into the bay in front of Oxey Lake another four Great Crested Grebe and then time to check the off-shore islands as the tide made its gradual way in.  Not only a few Dunlin but a good-sized flock of Knot. Out on the Solent proper a quartet of Eider Duck and then on checking the Herring Gull a Marsh Harrier put in an appearance.  Meanwhile, Derek was focusing on a Herring Gull when a White-tailed Eagle came in, picked up a fish and headed slowly away to our left watched by all three of us and also revealing three Common Gulls.  On the inner side of the island a resting flock of 22 Spoonbill.  More Bar-tailed Godwits were recorded and then the sight of the 44 resting Avocet.

Time to head back to the car via Acre Pond where we noted a pair of Egyptian Geese plus a pair of Mute Swans and four House Sparrows.  Once back on the lane we found a trio of Redwing feeding in the nearby trees.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

The short drive brought us to Lower Pennington Lane and Pennington Marsh where we found an Egyptian Goose in the first field along with Lapwing and Magpies. The field behind us held a good number of both Canada and Brent Geese with a couple of friendly Robins to keep us company. A look at the fresh water lake produced scores of Canada Geese and Coot along with a few Wigeon.  Checking the Canada Geese we found both a full Bar-headed Goose and a Canada/Bar-headed hybrid.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Dunnocks on the grass and a trio of Blackbirds as we made our way down to Fishtail Lagoon but very few birds on show, mainly Shelduck, Mallard and Shoveler recorded along with a couple of Greylag Geese.  Tufted Duck on the open water and along the Sea Wall we found both a Turnstone and Water Pipit and on Pennington lagoon more Shoveler and Pintails.  At the back of the water we noted the passing Marsh Harrier along with a lone Pied Wagtail on the ice itself.

Wigeon Anas penelope and Pintails Anas acuta

A Heron as we turned inland and back to the car and in the tree behind the car a Song Thrush along with another on the hedge to the left.  A quick look in the caravan field behind the lane actually revealed a Snipe which seemed to have made a three-minute stop before flying back over the hedge towards the fresh water lake.  A great day which eventually produced 65 species.

Heron Ardea cinerea

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Canada Goose, Bret Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Eider duck, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, White-tailed Eagle, Kestrel, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Snipe, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Water Pipit, Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Great-tailed Grackle.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

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Hamble River, Warsash

Monday 5 January

Our first snow here in Warsash since our return from Spain over four years ago; but just a light overnight dusting and this morning started with bright sunshine in a clear blue sky.  All sorted and wrapped up well for a quick walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back as the water approached high tide.  Just the seventeen species in 45 minutes but still lovely to be out and about and see my regular species including a resting Buzzard atop one the tree as I made my way back to the start.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

No shortage of Wigeons and Brent Geese but seemed well spread out as did the the more than usual number of Teal.  a couple of Curlew took to the air as I made my way to Bunny Meadow where I found more resting Brent Geese and Wigeon along with over 20 Shelduck, a score of Teal, maybe 80 Dunlin and at least 18 Redshank.

Dunlin Calidris alpina with 2 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola (in centre) and Redshank Tringa totanus at bottom

On the other hand, a lone Little Grebe out on the river itself and almost thirty Grey Plover in amongst the Dunlin.  On the remining uncovered land of one of the river islands a dozen Black-headed and handful of Herring Gulls but once at the conservation area a further 30 Black-headed Gulls.  Three Carrion Crows recorded and a small flock of 8 Canada Geese resting in a garden at the back of the meadow.

Grey Plover Pluvialis Squarola (top) and pair of Teal Anas crecca

Making my way back to the exit from the river bank just the single Woodpigeon at almost home when I noted the resting Buzzard atop a bare tree.

Distant Buzzard Buteo buteo

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Buzzard, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Distant Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Curlew Numenius aquata

Grey Plover Pluvialis Squarola (top) and Teal Anas crecca

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Teal Anas crecca

Wigeon Anas penelope

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New Forest Birding with a Grackle

Thursday 1 January 2026

Beautiful sunny start to the day with limited broken cloud and the present temperature of 2 quickly climbed to 7C, so giving a wonderful day's birding in the New Forest. First day of the year and what a way to start with the Great-tailed Grackle sitting on the wire above its adopted home in Holbury.  Also seen in the rea 30 Starlings, 8 Jackdaw, Chaffinch, Caron Crow and Woodpigeon.

Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus

Then it was straight on down to Leep Country Park on the Solent coast, arriving at 10.30.  Walking from the car park to the woodland entry Song Thrush, Dunnock and Blackbird seen and once in the hide a multitude of small birds making use of the two feeders.  Lots of Blue Tits plus Coal, Long-tailed, Great and Marsh Tit.  A Moorhen was wandering around at the side before the arrival of the Great Spotted Woodpecker and female Pheasant, the latter keenly watched by a very observant Robin.  Back in front of the hide a couple of Water Rail wandered in from the adjacent reeds giving excellent close views, albeit very dark below.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Out on the water a couple of Mute Swans and on the far banks a small group of Lapwing along with a trio of both Redshank and Greenshank. Just the pair of both Mallard and Shelduck with a handful of resting Black-headed Gulls and a solitary Cormorant.  Nearer the hide on the edge of the water a lone Heron and up above a circling Buzzard.

Male Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Making our way back up the slope to the exit and car park more Robins, Blackbirds and tits when a small flock of Redwing passed overhead with one noted taking a rest at the top of a distant tree.  And as we crossed the road to the car park we noted two Song Thrushes had now arrived at the well-berried holly tree where the first had been recorded as we entered the park.

Very distant Redwing Turdus iliacus

There followed a forty minute drive north through the New Forest to Blashford Lakes north of Ringwood where we spent an enjoyable couple of hours, starting at the bridge over the River Avon on the Harbridge road in Ibsley.  Almost a score of Mute Swans in the meadow and at the far end a pair of Egyptian Geese in the company of a single Greylag.  A pair of Stonechats were hovering round the bushes at the side of the stream along with a passing Carrion Crow.

Greylag Goose Anser anser

Back to Blashford Lakes and a first stop at Tern Hide overlooking Ibsley Water which presented very many Coot along with a good number of Tufted Duck.  A Great Crested Grebe and a couple of Goldeneye seen and at the far end the bulk of the gulls, mainly Black-headed but also herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Lots of Wigeon sheltering under the far bank along with a few Shoveler and Mallards.  Even a few Canada Geese, many resting Cormorants and a single Heron.

Teal Anas crecca

Over to the main reserve and first to Ivy North Hide where I found the Teal flock and more Mallards and Cormorants plus a quartet of Gadwall.  In mid-water a pair of Pochard and in the reeds below the hide a Chiffchaff.

Pochard Aythya ferina

Through the trees to the Woodland Hide where the tits were very active feeding on the three feeders provided.  Mainly Blue but also a number of Great and a few Long-tailed Tits.  A good number of Chaffinches and a single Goldfinch plus Robins, Dunnocks and Blackbirds.  In addition, good to see the return of the Siskins with five males and a female recorded.  On the table the visit of a Stock Dove.

Siskins Carduelis spinus

Walking down to Ivy South Hide a Jay flew across the path in front of us and once in the hide mainly Cormorants and Tufted Ducks along with Black-headed Gulls, a Great Crested Grebe and a few more Gadwall.  Returning to the car a Nuthatch was seen and as we made our departure we managed to see another Buzzard and a flock of about forty Starlings.

Marsh Tit Parus palustris (centre bottom) alongside Blue Tit Parus caeruleus with Blue and Great Tit Parus major above

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Buzzard, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Greater-tailed Grackle,  House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Great Tit Parus major

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Hen Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

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