Titchfield Haven and Workman's Lane, Warsash

Male Goosander Mergus merganser

Saturday 1 August

Another bright and clear start to the day with the temperature already up to 24C when I collected friend Richard Osman at 8.30 to drive over to Hill Head and visit the shore, harbour and lake within Titchfield Haven reserve.  Rock Dove, House Sparrow and Black-headed Gulls as we approached our chosen car park and visiting the viewing area over the lake soon added Cormorant, Heron, many Coot and Mallards along with Little Egret, Heron, Black-tailed Godwits, Redshank and Lapwings.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Moving along the road to the bridge over the Meon's outflow a few more Mallards along with a resting male Goosander and a Great Crested Grebe.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Crossing the road back to the harbour its many more mallards along with 43 Turnstone and the breeding Mute Swans along with their two well-grown cygnets.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor with Turnstones Arenaria interpres in background

Our final stop was a little further along the sidewalk o the sailing club where checking the estuary not only many Black-headed but also a few Herring Gulls.  However, immediately below as a Common Gull and way out at the Solent shore itself, three Knot still showing much of their summer plumage.

Knot Caladris canutus

Time to move on and make our way back to Warsash to visit Workmans Lane and as we turned inland from the Solent shore three Barn Swallows on the wires and more feeding over the recently cropped field.  Passing through the top end of Titchfield both Jackdaw and Collared Dove and a quick diversion down Brownwich Lane also produced Blackbird and Goldfinch.

Approaching Hook we passed a Moorhen walking at the side of the road and then, taking the gravelled track, we were at the top of Workmans Lane by 10.35 and ready for out next walk. Both Dunnock and Robin as we arrived, but then on the wires as we walked down the lane a half-dozen Barn Swallows on the wires.

Walking along the southern end of the horse field at least a score of Rooks plus four Carrion Crows and a single Magpie.  A Stonechat put in a very brief appearance in the donkey paddock and at east four Woodpigeons were noted.  Across the back of the field  the far end a flock of about forty Starlings were seen.

Rook Corvus frugilegus

Moving on down the lane to reach the shore the tide was now almost in with only a very limited area of exposed beach upon which we found a dozen Black-headed and a single Common Gull along with nine Oystercatchers.

Common Gull Larus canus

But in front of us on the projecting concrete breakwater a collection of resting Black-headed Gulls.  But closer inspection discovered a single adult Sandwich Tern at the back and a juvenile at the front.  It was only when concentrating on the juvenile that I realised there was also another Common Gull  resting at the back.

Juvenile Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis with Common Gull behind

Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus with Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis
 (back left and right front) along with Common Gull Larus canus (back right)

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Mallard, Goosander, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, sMoorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch.

Male Goosander Mergus merganser

Common Gull Larus canus

Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Knot Calidris canutus

Redshank Tringa totanus

Black-headed Gulls with Sandwich Terns and Common Gull

Turnstones Arenaria interpres

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus sheltering in the shade

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Farlington Marsh

Friday 31 July 

Farlington Marsh by 8.30 and the warm sunshine is back with us again as I made my way along the sea wall at low tide to the viewing point overlooking the lagoon.  Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Kestrel and Herring Gull as I made my way through the small trees leading the gate and small pond where rested a number of Black-headed Gull plus a handful of Mallard and a Heron.  Out on the mudflats scores of resting Black-headed and the occasional passing Herring Gull plus a lone Little Egret.

A few of the resting Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Moving on down to the viewing area a Swift flew low on front of me and I was to see another over an hour later whilst watching the lagoon in front of the old barn.  Once at the viewing area a number of Shelduck on the very depleted water along with a small group of Black-tailed Godwit along with a trio of Knot keeping them company.  At the back  the water a small number of Redshank. Then it was back to the car to deposit the scope before heading along the cycle way to the old barn and discover who was resting on the small lagoon.  In the event, just a single Black-headed Gull on a post on the  water but resting on the bank a score of Lapwing plus a few more gulls and both a single Moorhen and Coot.  Then, over the water, the first of a handful of Barn Swallows and the second Swift of the morning.  In the small trees behind me a pair of House Sparrows and a handful of Goldfinches plus a pair of Greenfinch and a quartet of Blackbirds.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Leaving the water and taking the path on towards the seawall I continued until I reached the Deeps.  Nothing deep here as just the tiniest of streams to be seen.  Resting on an island a handful of Mallard and beyond them at least ten Little Egrets and a couple of resting Heron.  However, stopping to check the grazing store cattle in the field to my right I eventually discovered two Cattle Egrets, well concealed by the long grass but a record shot managed on the return journey.  With the camera playing up and refusing to auto focus, just a few shots today but having to use a manual focus, much to my annoyance.

Distant record shot of Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (dead centre)

Returning to the old barn rather than continue on a clockwise circuit as I turned away from the sea wall at least six Barn Swallows passed overhead along with a single Sand Martin.  Back at the lagoon a trio of Black-tailed Godwits had arrived to join the resting Lapwing.  During the period between leaving and returning to the old barn, the number of resident Canada Geese had increased from a few score to well over 200 individuals but, again, given the height of the dry grass most were well concealed.  In the distance beyond the reed bed a massed flock of Starlings in the air for a short while.

3 Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa arrived to rest in the water

Leaving the old barn I followed the designated path upsteam alongside the river noting very many resting Mallard, more Canada Geese and a few Coot. A Dunnock flew up into the lower branches of a bare tree and then I was through the gate and up the steps to the sea wall.  The tide very much now on the way in and covering just about all the mud but I did find a single Curlew and on the far river a pair of Mute Swans.  No need to go any further as birds on the main lagoon were now nearer to me and making my way back to the car a Great Black-backed Gull flew past.  And for the first time ever I think, not a single magpie seen during the visit!

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Lapwing, Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank,  Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Swift, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Dunnock, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

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Normandy Lagoon and Pennington Marshes

 Thursday 30 August

After almost 8 weeks recovering from the "Pagham Incident" I finally got to go "proper birding" this morning with an early morning visit to the New Forest cast south of Lymington to walk around Normandy Lagoon followed by moving over to the nearby Pennington Marshes. After the recent high temperatures, arriving at 7.30 greeted by calm weather and much cloud making it more pleasant for the gentle meander around the lagoon with the nearby Solent at almost low tide.

Mainly Sandwich Terns Stella sandvicensis

Lots of Black-headed Gulls with there maturing offsping but also some good waders including 3 Whimbrel and 8 Curlew. 43 Redshank and a single Greenshank also noted plus over a score of Oystercatchers. Many terns on the islands and in the air with Sandwich outnumbering the Common Terns. Just the pair of both herring and Great Black-backed Gulls plus a couple of Heron and 8 Little Egrets.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Small birds included Kingfisher, Dartford Warbler, Stonechat and Chiffchaff along with Robin, Blackbird and Song Thrush.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Moving over to Pennington Marshes with most of the waters almost empty, no less than 14 Dunnock, 12 Pied Wagtails and 3 Meadow Pipits. Even better the 3 Whitethroat and single Lesser Whitethroat. One flock of over an hundred Starling then the 8 Greenfinches and trio of Goldfinch plus a male Reed Bunting and pair of Linnet. Many birds seen at both sites including the Heron and Great Black-backed Gulls. 43 species in total for the morning.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Gentle walking at the first stop but stretched my legs a bit at the second stop to make sure all working, even if quite tired when I returned home just after lunch. But progress is being made ; no pain killers for almost three weeks, the back healing and just finished the ECG monitoring so trusting that the heart has been sorted.

Yes, I drank and took plenty of water with me - even if I was on my own!!!

Sandwich Terns Stella sandvicensis

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Eider, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Dunlin, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Dunnock, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Reed Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

More Sandwich Terns Stella sandvicensis

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Titchfield Haven's Meon Shore

Sunday 26 July 

A breeze picking up and much cloud  I made a short early morning visit to the mouth of the River Meon at Titchfield Haven arriving at 6.15.  The high almost in but a few Black-headed and a single Common Gull resting on the sea wall as I parked my car near the harbour.  A short walk to the viewing point overlooking the pool at the southern end of Titchfield Haven where I found many Black-headed Gulls and Coots.

Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus and Coots Fulica atra on the island

Also present a handful of Cormorant and a dozen or more Mallard.  At the far, southern corner a single Little Egret and a lone Redshank working the edges beyond the island.  As well as the Black-headed Gulls and mature youngsters on the breeding rafts, a lone Common Tern atop a post in the water.  Resting in the trees on the far side the first of three Woodpigeons to be seen along with the Magpie and Blackbird seen as I approached the canal at the edge of the reserve.

Distant Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Moving round to the harbour I found a score of resting Mallards along with 17 Turnstone and a couple of Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) still in summer plumage, foraging on what was left of the beach before the approaching high tide.  Two Cormorants fishing in the harbour were enjoying their breakfasts of good-sized fish as they struggle to swallow their prey.  The only other bird present was a lone Redshank on the near shore.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Making my way back home, as I passed through upper Titchfield Collared Dove, Jackdaw and Carrion Crow also noted, and then back home and in the shower well before 7.30am.

Birds seen:

Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Coot, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

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Hayling Island and Farlington Marshes

Wednesday 15 July

Collecting friend Richard Osman at 8.30 we were at the top car park on Hayling Island by 9am.. Tide still way out but a few Black-headed and Herring Gulls along with single Little Egret, Oystercatcher and Curlew.  Off round to the former oysterbeds and a pair of Black-tailed Godwits feeding on the inland water.  Above us both Woodpigeon and Carrion Crow then a circling Buzzard.  Over the pools in the oysterbeds a fishing Common Tern and more Black-headed Gulls plus a regular sighting of Little Egrets.  However, it was the hundreds of Starlings that seemed to have pride of place as they moved around in flocks of about 100 individuals.

Oystercatcher Haemantopus ostralegus

The back path produced a small charm of Goldfinches followed by a pair of Greenfinches.  two Blackbirds on the path in front of us.  Then we were the breeding pool with its many pairs of both Black-headed and Mediterranean Gulls.  Yet more Little Egrets and Oystercatchers before we reached the Billy Trail for our walk back to the car.  The walk back along the path produced more Blackbirds and Woodpigeons before our first Robin and then a Whitethroat.  Nearing the end on the path before turning in towards the car park a quartet of Barn Swallows passed over and a half-dozen House Sparrows found something to feast on in the nearby bushes.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

After a short rest when back at the car park we made our way to Farlington Marshes on the way home.  Straight to the old barn to see if we might find a Bearded Tit (Reedling) but very windy so no chance.  On the edges of the lagoon a score of resting Canada Geese, a whilst on the water a quartet of Mallard and a pair of Shelduck.  Off to the right a couple of Lapwing and a single Moorhen. At the far end of the muddy shore four resting Redshank whilst overhead a handful of Swifts and a pair of Barn Swallows. Scores of Starlings moving about and settling in the tops of bushes.

Starlings Sturnus vulgaris

Our walk back to the car took us along the river and then through the trees towards the far end giving the opportunity to see Magpies and Dunnock plus a couple of Coot on the water along with more Mallards and and a few Lapwing plus scores of Canada Geese.  Just before turning away from the water we found a small party of Black-tailed Godwits along with a few Redshank and six Greenshank, all thanks to meeting up with fellow birder, Ian from Gosport.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Disaster upon returning home when I discovered that ISO setting on the camera had been changed so giving almost whited-out shots - as you no doubt will have noticed!

Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Little Egret, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Swift, Barn Swallow, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Whitethroat, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus

Oystercatcher Haemantopus ostralegus

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The Visiting Night Heron

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Monday 13 July

Reports appeared on the "Going Birding Hampshire" site last Thursday that a Night Heron had been seen on Miller's Pond on the southern end of Sholing, one of the eastern suburbs of Southampton close to Weston Shore at the top of Southampton Water.  Reports of early morning sightings then continued until yesterday so after an unsuccessful visit in both morning and afternoon on Saturday I decided, if awake in time, I would have another go this morning.  Awake just after 4 I was able to creep out of the house for the fifteen minute ride to Miller's Pond where I duly arrived at 4.55.  Already one birder present for twenty minutes and he immediately pointed out the bird that was happily resting on lily pads about 20 yards away to the right.  The bird stayed for a further five minutes before flying left across the pond to come to rest on more lily pads tucked away at the far back below the willow trees.  Fortunately, still able to be seen by the two additional birders who arrived a couple of minutes later.

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax with Coot Fulica atra in foreground

Having remained for fifteen minutes I then departed and a made a brief stop at Weston Shore at low tide to confirm the presence of scores of Carrion Crows along with both Herring and Black-headed Gulls.  A Little Egret put in an appearance as I was about to move on and behind me a number of Woodpigeon.  As I left the southern car park a Jay was foraging at the road side.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Another short stop at Sophie's Pond outside the entrance to Victoria Park in Netley found a dozen Mallard on the pond and a couple of Woodpigeon plus, now on the shore opposite, a female Mute Swan with her three cygnets.  Also on the shore mainly Black-headed but also a few Herring Gulls and, of course, more Carrion Crows.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor with her 3 cygnets

Great experience with first sighting of a Night Heron in the UK and back home and in bed by five past six!  Certainly a good way to start the week and with the back seeming to get better every day, now looking forward to venturing a little further way from home later in the week,.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Birds seen:

Mallard, Mute Swan, Night Heron, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Jay, Carrion Crow

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Night Heron still visible at the far side of the pond

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Tidgrove Warren Farm near Kingsclere, Hampshire

 Saturday 4 July

Three weeks to the day since my "hearty hiccup" followed by the broken back discovered a week later (cracked vertebrae but not dislodged) and the one HOS (Hampshire ornithological Society) mee that I have looked forward to for the past two to three months or more.  Visitors to our home, a couple of shorts outings taken by Jenny driving but, on the other hand, no pain-killers taken for 5 days and everything seems to be on the mend.  But should I attend the field meeting at Tidgrove Warren Farm near Kingsclere to the north of the county?  With water already in the car and a further three bottle from Jenny I decided I would try and allowed myself plenty of time so need ned to hurry and a final message to Jenny to say I would be home somewhere between 10am and 1pm.  Sensible enough to know if the driving was too much then simply turn round and return home.

HOS members all set for off in search of the Stone Curlews

Hardly any traffic about on either the M3 or A34 and that I did meet rapidly overtook so giving me a leisurely drive and arriving onsite just after 9am. Time for more drink before meeting the those already present where coffee and biscuits on hand and Woodpigeons, House Martin, and Barn Swallow overhead with a Moorhen on the other side of the large pond.  Nearby, both Chiffchaff and Linnets.  Eventually, following an introduction the breeding Stone Curlews on site from our Chairman, Keith Button we set off on an anti-clockwise circuit of the area with a stop near the a nesting pair.  We had been warned that once we rounded the corner we would likely have no more then fifteen seconds to see the sitting bird move away from her stony scrape but once well beyond and above the site a good chance to get views of at least one of the Stone Curlews using scopes.  And so it proved albeit, on this occasion no Stone Curlew present but a quartering Kestrel flying very low over the field.

Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus at nest (PHOTO: Keith Betton)

As we made our way down the slope towards a created pool area to attract small waders a Mallard made a hasty departure and once on the other side climber a little higher to try and find the Stone Curlews.  One distant individual quickly found and later a second.  Many lucky folk managed to get a digi shot of the bird through Keith's Scope but not me.

Very distant Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

Whilst in the area we had a number of Skylarks and Yellowhammers close to hand along with a long-staying Corn Bunting, albeit at a distance and partly obscured by leaves.

Record shot of Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra

Above us a continuous display by at least three Red Kite along with distant Marsh Harriers on the skyline and then a solitary Buzzard off to our left.  And, once again, our friendly Kestrel put in an appearance.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Having moved to the top of the ridge and made a left turn we stopped to admire the ruins of the previous Hunting Lodge of King Henry 11. The build was eventually demolished by King Richard III and materials used to build/repair the local church at Kingsclere.  However, whilst undertaking archialogical digs organised by Southampton University, a large key to the wine cellar was discovered and is still kept by the present owner, Raleigh  Place.  (But no wine!)  Raleigh also added that other monarchs to stay  at the lodge included King John John and, I believe, Henry III.

Site of Henry II's Hunting Lodge

Whilst overlooking the site and being observed ourselves by the passing Red Kites we also managed to find a third Stone Curlew, albeit, again, very distant and best seen seen through the scope.   At this point I made an early exit to walk slowly back to the car having probably stayed longer than I intended.  I continued to be accompanied by a Red Kite or two and once near the highest point good views and song from another Yellowhammer.

A most enjoyable morning and well worth the occasional slight discomfort.  I'm sure we, almost forty, members had a thoroughly good time in good company and so well led by our Chairman, Keith Betton.  Special thanks must also be made to our host, Raleigh Place.  No ton only for permitting and welcoming us to his home but also the additional support e offered to any needing car assistance; a most kind and generous man to a fault.

Distant preening Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

Birds seen:

Mallard, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Stone Curlew, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Ban allow, House Martin, Skylark, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Carrion Crow, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting.

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