Hampshire

[pe'rigin]

It’s about time Hampshire had another mention in this Forum, especially Farlington Marsh.

When you consider that a couple of weeks ago we had the full contingent of Grebes to view in one location.

We must have one of the highest densities of wintering Peregrines in England, with the added bonus of Merlin, Short-eared Owl and Marsh Harrier. Not to mention Bearded Tits, Waterail, Avocets, Cetti’s and the odd Diver.

Duck, geese, gulls and waders abound, with the occasional rarity that always turn-up.

Granted, it’s not the most salubrious of locations with the motorway alongside.

It could do with at least one hide and or a viewing platform.

But, you never go away from the place without seeing something good.

[colonelboris]

Farlington could do with being a bit more user friendly...

[teamsaint]

Farlington is great in the autumn. Last September I had Curlew Sands, Spotshank, Greenshanks, Common Sandpiper, Godwits, Knots and all the usual things on the lake in huge numbers. This winter it hasn't turned up much but has up to 25 Avocets, several Jack Snipes & Hampshire's third Surf Scoter (viewable distantly from the reserve but best viewed from Portsea Island.) The spectacle of several thousand Brent Geese plus all the waders (including up to 15,000 Dunlin) always makes it worth a visit though. Hopefully we can get a Hampshire thread up and running.

[colonelboris]

There's a thread going for the North of the county and the borders with Berkshire and Surrey:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=802409#post802409
It just seems that the North of Hampshire isn't all that well covered, so I started that one.
If you didn't know about it, the HOS webpage for news from Hampshire is:
www.hos.org.uk/news.htm
Although generally it deals with the South of the county as more interesting stuff stays down that way.
Although the thread's titled 'Hants, Berks and Surrey borders', it still includes some reports on Farlington from Our Man In The South, Mr Moss.
Cheers,

Tony

[J Moss]

Your "man in the south" was going to say the same thing! I think we may as well put any reports in the 'Hants Berks and Surrey borders' thread.

I also started a thread (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=70778&highlight=farlington) that I was meant to update regularly with what I was seeing in Farlington, but I wasn't visiting often enough. If more people can mention Farlington, that would be great.

Jason

[pe'rigin]

When you think that we have not only Farlington, but within 15 minutes drive nearby, the Oysterbeds, Black Point, the Ketch, Thorney Island and Pilsey, Nore's Barn, Staunton Forest, Prinsted Harbour and marsh and the other harbour inlets, we don't do too bad down here!

[teamsaint]

i do a daily sightings update for hampshire on my website if anyone is interested. after all farlington isn't the only place in hampshire ;) (don't mean to be rude, it's just we've only discussed farlington so far when there are many other great places in hampshire to go birding)

[J Moss]

Had a great look at a perigrine yesterday, perched preening on a grassy island in the harbour a Farlington. Must have been about 100m away so I was able to see all the chest barring, yellow legs and cere. Never had such good views! After about 15 minutes (couldn't tear my eyes away!) I watched it take off and fly out towards South Hayling. I suspect it was a male, as it didn't strike me as being massive, although I've got next to no experience with sexing Perigrines.

Other birds I feel were of note were a nice female Reed Bunting (noted only because I got a really good look!), about 30+ Shovelers, which seemed more than usual, big flock of linnets, a few Bearded Tits, one Cettis Warbler (actually seen for a change), flock of Redwings flying over the car park, 3 pairs of Mute Swans, which I think are probably a new fixture, about 6 Tufted Ducks, (which I think is also a bit of a recent increase) and plenty of singing Skylarks. No sign of the Wimbrel yet though, or any Avocets that day. Still good as usual.

Jason

[teamsaint]

I had 3 Hen Harriers in the New Forest. Also Ringed Plover & Lapwing looked abit funny in a heathland clearing.

[pe'rigin]

Jason,

I think we are very fortunate, as there are numerous Peregrines in the Harbour, one of their favoured haunts are the buildings and cranes on the Eastern Road. The old Mercedes garage building was a particular favoured place they used to pluck their prey. You could usually find the bits of Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings in the car park.

We may be lucky and get a successful breeding this year, that’ll worry the RSPB warden over his Gull / Tern colonies! (Sorry Chris, but it’s no contest).

Did you have a look for Merlin on North Binness?

[J Moss]

pe'rigin

You aint wrong, we are lucky! The Peregrine was pirched on one of the islands off the south-west of the reserve, off the second 'point'. I didn't spot any Merlins that day, but did today.

Had another great days birding today, starting with a walk to the seafront to see the Purple Sandpipers. There were 9 birds altogether, feeding high on the sea wall, as the tide was in. One Rock Pipit was also present, flying around the castle.

Farlington produced one Med Gull, just entering into summer plumage, with a black head but a white face. Also saw 2 female Merlins, with one seen twice, hunting along the hedgrows behind the info centre and then along the hedges on the Hayling side of the reserve. the other was perched in the usual spot, on a fence post. There was also a Peregrine pirched on Long Island and a Kestrel. Came across a group of around 6 Reed Buntings in the bushes along the North East footpath, along with a very tame Robin that stopped at my feet. I offered it a piece of bread and it took it straight from my hand!!! Couldn't believe it! Certainly made my day! :bounce:
One Water Pipit was poking around on the sea wall, and around the washed up seaweed. This, plus an abundance of Meadow Pipits meant that I manage to see all 3 common pipits in one day, which was nice!
2 Cettis Warblers heard, lots of Great Crested Grebes, including one summer plumaged individual, 10+ Goldeneye, about 6 Herons and a couple of Little Egrets were also seen. Also there were about 6 Stonechats hanging around, including 2 males. There have usually only been about 3 present on the site this winter, with one male. Dunno where these new ones have come from!

Super day, even though there were apparently a few Slav Grebes off the point. Everyone I spoke to seemed to have seen them, but by the time I'd gotten there, there was no sign :storm:. Bugger!

Jason



Jason,

I think we are very fortunate, as there are numerous Peregrines in the Harbour, one of their favoured haunts are the buildings and cranes on the Eastern Road. The old Mercedes garage building was a particular favoured place they used to pluck their prey. You could usually find the bits of Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings in the car park.

We may be lucky and get a successful breeding this year, that’ll worry the RSPB warden over his Gull / Tern colonies! (Sorry Chris, but it’s no contest).

Did you have a look for Merlin on North Binness?

[colonelboris]

Small chance that I'll be at Farlington on Sunday, but I'll have to work on it for a bit...

[J Moss]

Cool. Let me know.

[pe'rigin]

Jason,

Sounds like you had a terrific day.

Was the Merlin on the usual corralled fenced area?

I have seen Slavonian’s under the bridge over the Eastern Road before, that’s where I saw the Red Necked Grebe a couple of weeks ago.

We may even get the Red Breasted Goose from Sinah to join the Brent’s on the Marsh.

The Water Pipit was a bonus. The last group I saw there was at the info centre.

As I said in the original post, there are lots of birds to see at Farlington. You can regularly achieve 70+ species in a day. On a very good day, into the 90s is possible.

But as mentioned it is crying out for some facilities. If Broadmarsh could be secured from development and the whole area funded and managed for wildlife then we have a premier site.

[J Moss]

The Merlin was pirched on the fence enclosing the field with the 4 bridges. These bridges are also where I regularly see the birds pirched.

I think I'll have to brave crossing the motorway at some point, to get to the area over the other side of the bridge and see whats about there. I've been told that you can get there. I just haven't risked it yet!

I spent most of yesterday afternoon searching the Brent flocks for the Red Breasted Goose, as someone said that it hadn't been reported on Hayling (is that where it was originally?) Anyway, it definitely wasn't there then, but I'll certainly keep my eyes open.

You can get a good number of species in one visit. My record is 60, but I've seen 77 species all together so far, with star birds including Black Brant (ok, not a full sp, but who cares!), Black Necked Grebe, Dartford Warblers, Marsh Harrier, all the Pipits, Merlins and Peregrine. This is minus things like the Yellow Wagtails and any of the less common migrating waders, as I only began visiting the site early in October this year. I'm certainly looking foreward to a Spring and Summer in the area.

Jason



Jason,

Sounds like you had a terrific day.

Was the Merlin on the usual corralled fenced area?

I have seen Slavonian’s under the bridge over the Eastern Road before, that’s where I saw the Red Necked Grebe a couple of weeks ago.

We may even get the Red Breasted Goose from Sinah to join the Brent’s on the Marsh.

The Water Pipit was a bonus. The last group I saw there was at the info centre.

As I said in the original post, there are lots of birds to see at Farlington. You can regularly achieve 70+ species in a day. On a very good day, into the 90s is possible.

But as mentioned it is crying out for some facilities. If Broadmarsh could be secured from development and the whole area funded and managed for wildlife then we have a premier site.

[teamsaint]

Bransbury Common (SU4141) is a site that I have visited several times in the last few weeks that you guys might like to try out. Dusk is the best time to visit. A Barn Owl or sometimes 2 usually come out just after 4PM, and can give excellent views and photographich opportunities. As it gets darker Buzzards, Pheasants & Tawny Owls start calling all around you, and then at about 6PM at the moment, up to 7 Short-eared Owls will appear, although it is almost too dark to see them.

[teamsaint]

Also for Jason and any other Farlington regulars. Nearby try out Sandy Point on Hayling Island. The Red-breasted Goose that has wintered around Dorset and Hampshire is now frequenting Chichester Harbour and can often be seen around there. Also a Long-tailed Duck was regular but hasn't been seen recently, and Black-throated & Great Northern Divers, up to 10 Slavonian Grebes, Black-necked Grebes and sometimes a Red-necked Grebe have been seen.

[J Moss]

Thanks for the tips Teamsaint. Ive walked the Oysterbeds before, but didn't know about Sandy Point. Looks good for some seawatching, which is what I've been missing lately.

Wont be doing any birding in the next week though. Bit swamped with work.

Jason

[pe'rigin]

The other places to go on Hayling is The Ketch, harbour and surrounding scrub, which is pretty good in the spring and Northney, where you can look across the channel onto the mudflats. Middle Marsh would be good if only there was better access.

[pe'rigin]

Just a quick note at what's at the Oysterbeds at the moment.

A nice flock of very sexually active Med Gulls at close quarters on the Tern's island, with a nice Spotted Redshank in with the Redshanks, Turnstones, Dunlin, Ringed Plovers and Oystercatchers. Keeping a close eye on the waders and fields is a male Peregrine stationed at his usual advantage perch. Mergansers by the bank edge with Little Grebes. A female Goldeneye patrolling around, no sign of the Black Necked on this side. A female Merlin has had a go at the Dunlin on the RSPB island. Not bad for half a hour.

[J Moss]

If anyones interested, there still looking for WeBS counters on the HOS (http://www.hos.org.uk/index.htm) website, to do 5 hour counts on 17th March and the following months.

Jason.

[teamsaint]

the Black-necked Grebes in Langstone Harbour are mostly in summer plumage now plus there was a Red-necked Grebe at the Oysterbeds today

[J Moss]

Where's the best place to see the BN Grebes Teamsaint? Is it the area north of the Oysterbeds, where I've seen them before. Would love to see them in summer plumage.

One summer Med Gull in Eastney today, outside the marine labs. Kept me occupied during lunch break (we're so easily amused! Know one I showed was even remotely interested! And there supposed to be biologists!)

Jason

[J Moss]

First Chiffchaff of the year seen today chasing flies in brambles on Farlington Marsh. GC Grebes displaying in the tidal channels, Skylarks, Cettis and Meadow Pipits singing, Little Grebes in breeding plumage, Lapwings displaying, Mallards mating.

Think it might be spring.

Jason

[J Moss]

Also 1 Red Admiral and a Comma butterfly about.

[teamsaint]

Also 1 Red Admiral and a Comma butterfly about.

i've seen several brimstones and red admirals as well recently

[Al livsey]

;) Hello Hampshire birders.
I am working in Gosport at the moment, travelling back to Plymouth most weekends,this week i managed my first visit to both Farlington marsh and Titchfield Haven NNR.
I went to Farlington on Monday and walked around the perimeter, seeing Peregrine,Snipe,Red Breasted Merganser,and flocks of Brent Geese.A very good reserve with some nice viewing spots, but as it's been said before, could do with some facilities.I was dying for a cuppa when i'd finished!
Wednesday i visited Titchfield, despite a hide being closed for renovation i had an excellent day, and managed to see 52 species, including Scaup,Lapwing,Reed Bunting,several Avocets and a cracking Mediterranean Gull in breeding plumage.
I also saw Peacock,Painted Lady,Brimstone and Comma butterflies, and had a clear view of a Roe deer out in the open, not bad for £3.70.
The reserve also has a well stocked cafe and gift shop, and bins for hire for those without.
I hope to visit the New Forest later in the year for Nightjars,Dartford Warblers and whatever else there might be.
Cheers Hampshire! ;)

[J Moss]

Not a problem Devon! Glad you had a good time at Farlington. Its got a lot to offer and often throws up a surprise. Bit of advice tho; take a flask!

Can definitely recoment the New Forest as well. I visited today and saw some fantastic birds. See this (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=80957) thread. Never disapoints in my experience.



;) Hello Hampshire birders.
I am working in Gosport at the moment, travelling back to Plymouth most weekends,this week i managed my first visit to both Farlington marsh and Titchfield Haven NNR.
I went to Farlington on Monday and walked around the perimeter, seeing Peregrine,Snipe,Red Breasted Merganser,and flocks of Brent Geese.A very good reserve with some nice viewing spots, but as it's been said before, could do with some facilities.I was dying for a cuppa when i'd finished!
Wednesday i visited Titchfield, despite a hide being closed for renovation i had an excellent day, and managed to see 52 species, including Scaup,Lapwing,Reed Bunting,several Avocets and a cracking Mediterranean Gull in breeding plumage.
I also saw Peacock,Painted Lady,Brimstone and Comma butterflies, and had a clear view of a Roe deer out in the open, not bad for £3.70.
The reserve also has a well stocked cafe and gift shop, and bins for hire for those without.
I hope to visit the New Forest later in the year for Nightjars,Dartford Warblers and whatever else there might be.
Cheers Hampshire! ;)

[teamsaint]

Not a problem Devon! Glad you had a good time at Farlington. Its got a lot to offer and often throws up a surprise. Bit of advice tho; take a flask!

Can definitely recoment the New Forest as well. I visited today and saw some fantastic birds. See this (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=80957) thread. Never disapoints in my experience.

i'm going to the forest again on monday, hopefully for goshawk. last saturday i had firecrests, woodlarks, crosbills & a lesser pecker (heard only) around Boldrewood.

[J Moss]

Where abouts did you spot the Woodlarks Teamsaint? I kept my eyes open, but didn't have any luck.

Good day at Farlington today. Saw my first Wheatear of the year, on North Marsh, lots of singing Chiffers, and my first Jack Snipe, thanks to taking part in the WeBS count. 9, to be precise, and 80+ Common snipe. One Water Pipit was also flushed from the Hayfield.

Good luck for Monday.

Jason


i'm going to the forest again on monday, hopefully for goshawk. last saturday i had firecrests, woodlarks, crosbills & a lesser pecker (heard only) around Boldrewood.

[Moonshake]

Hi - any of you lot know what the access situation is like on Thorney Island at the moment? Did hear that one of the gates had been shut last month and was wondering if they'd reopened it yet. (Did ask this originally on the Hants, Berks & Surrey thread for some daft reason, so apologies if you're reading this twice! )(Yes I know it's Sussex really, but I think that some of you lot get there more frequently than any of the folk on the Sussex thread)

Thanks
Nick

[J Moss]

Pretty productive on Farlington Marsh today. At least 2 Sedge Warblers around the reserver, 4+ Sandwich Terns feeding over shut lake, 3+ Lesser Whitethroats singing, along with a Blackcap, 3 Cettis (saw one for a change), and a few Chiffchaffs. 7+ Swallows passed through, along with 3 Sand Martins, 7+ Wheatears feeding on Northmarsh and the Hayfield. Also 1 Peregrine attacking a Woodpigeon, failing to bring it down, but leaving a few feathers to spiral back to earth. 2 Buzzards, one of which showing off its hovering abilities. 2 Greenshanks, c36 gorgeous summer plumaged Black Tailed Godwits, 8 summery Dunlins, 9 Snipe, c9 Little Egrets and a Med Gull flyover also caught the eye.

Also Peacock, Red Admiral and Brimstone butterflies seen.

61 species in total.

Off to the New Forest tomorrow

Jason

[J Moss]

New Forest today:

Barrow Moor (off Boldrewood Ornamental Drive)
- 3 male Redstarts. Singing, calling and fighting. Wonderfull birds.
- 4 Marsh Tits.
- 1 Fem. Brambling.
- 1 Firecrest singing.
- 2 Blackcaps.
- Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Willow Warblers, Chiffers etc.

Across the road from Barrow Moor car park;
- 2 Tree Pipits performing song flights.
- 1 male Stonechat.
- 1 Lizard sp.

Boldrewood
- 1 male Redstart.
- Siskin in song flight.
- Another Firecrest.
- 2 Hawfinches. Stopped for a sec., then flew off.
- 2 Green Woodpeckers.
- Another Tree Pipit.
- Possible Goshawk flyover.
- Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, 2 Mistle Thrushes and a Buzzard.

Acres Down.
- 1 Goshawk
- 3+ Buzzards

Jason

[teamsaint]

sounds like a good day Jason, I had some similar stuff yesterday including Goshawk, 6 Redstarts (all at the Knightwood Oak), 6-7 Firecrests, Woodlark, Crossbills (good views for once), Siskins, Buzzards, Treecreepers, Woodpeckers, Marsh Tits, Mistle Thrushes etc. Also visited the new RSPB place at the Reptile Centre where there is a webcam of a Goshawks nest. There are currently 4 eggs in the nest which apparently will hatch in about 2 weeks. Also saw lots of Speckled Wood butterflies plus Brimstones & a Red Admiral, also a Common Lizard (probably what you saw as well Jason, they are quite common)
Tom

[pe'rigin]

Pigbush is normally a good place to see the Goshawks and if any have arrived Hobby. You might pick-up Redstart and Spotted Fly as well, (if the crowds have not arrived en-mass).

[J Moss]

Hmm, I bet parts of the New Forest can get pretty bad with holidaymakers this time of year. oh well.

Next target bird - Wood Warbler.

Cant wait.

Jason

[teamsaint]

Hmm, I bet parts of the New Forest can get pretty bad with holidaymakers this time of year. oh well.

Nest target bird - Wood Warbler.

Cant wait.

Jason

Wood Warbler should be easy at Boldrewood, Denny Wood, Mark Ash Wood, Pitt's Wood. anywhere really with suitable habitat

[J Moss]

1 Black Tern through Farlington this morning. Sadly wasn't there to see it : (.

Also 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoos singing, 17+ Whimbrel, numerous Sandwich Terns and a few Commons and Littles. Around 8 Common Whitethroat singing and holding territory already, along with Lesser Whitethroats, Sedge and Cettis Warblers. Tonnes (possibly literally!) of Greenfinches and Linnets, a few Wheatears and 3 Swallows also.

Very nice.

Jason

[pe'rigin]

We seem to have an influx of Nightingale at Hambrook, a male was singing in Cheesmans Lane and at the corner of South Lane at Woodmancott. They can usually be found in Marlpit Lane, so hopefully this is a bonus increase of birds.

[teamsaint]

migration is now going well. summer visitors mostly in, 3 hoopoes in the last week (only calshot one is still about as far as I know). should be a good weekend to look forward to!

[J Moss]

I'd have gone for the Hoopoe today, if I hadn't dislocated my knee playing basketball! Bloody hell!

[teamsaint]

first swifts this afternoon, about 15 over my garden

[Al livsey]

Well done teamsaint on finding Swifts, none for me yet. I've just spent another week in Hampshire (Gosport) and had a look round Browndown common on Tuesday and Wednesday,plenty of common whitethroat,Greenfinch,House Sparrow and Dunnock. I also managed to find my first Dartford Warblers, perched on top of the Gorse, flitting from bush to bush.
On the beach were several Wheatear and a few Linnets, with Sandwich Terns flying east down the shoreline.
Together with 2 foxes, 1 deer and loads of rabbits it was a good couple of afternoons away from work.
Back up to Gosport on Sunday.

Al.

[teamsaint]

interestingly a Goosander with 10 ducklings has been found at a secret site somewhere in Hampshire. This is a very rare Hants breeder indeed.

[Al livsey]

interestingly a Goosander with 10 ducklings has been found at a secret site somewhere in Hampshire. This is a very rare Hants breeder indeed.

It's nowhere that i know of! Must be a good site. I have Song Thrush nesting at the bottom of my garden in the Privets, and a Blue Tit in a nest box!

Al.

[jayuk]

hi
well i,ve got 2 house martin nests.. a pied-wagtail, a grey wagtail who is in love with my wing mirror, the spotted woodpecker now sitting, lots of blue-tits, cold tits, a few black birds.. the common buzzard was up high today, gulls were happy feeding in the park.. Robin and wren were at my horses yard.. robin loves the feed bin and has been catch in there.. lid fell down very fat bird..lol.. just as the darkness arrive the starling came home 40 + and the rook were high in thr oak ready for a quite night..
wont be in Hampshire tomorrow off to Rockingham race course for a MR2 day hubby thinks i need a day out ...

happy birding

check my art site www.artwanted.com/jay53

[teamsaint]

i'm going for the hoopoe at calshot tommorow

[J Moss]

At least 8 Swifts over the house this morning. Also 2 Blue Tits eating greenflies in the garden, 1 House Sparrow, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, etc etc.

I'm afraid this is what I'm restricted to, until my knee sorts itself out.

Struggling to stay sane :storm:

Jason

[teamsaint]

sorry jason but this afternoon the Hoopoe was showing extremely well down to less than 10 metres! also seen today wheatear, woodlark, 3 pale-bellied brents, cuckoos (heard only), med gull, sarnies, reed warbler, sedge warbler, whitethroat, 14 brick-red barwits

[J Moss]

Dammit Teamsaint! Couldn't you have kept that to yourself!

I'm so pissed off now.

Jason

[colonelboris]

At least 8 Swifts over the house this morning. Also 2 Blue Tits eating greenflies in the garden, 1 House Sparrow, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, etc etc.

I'm afraid this is what I'm restricted to, until my knee sorts itself out.

Struggling to stay sane :storm:

Jason

Limp, you lazy bugger!
Very nice seeing the birds out here, but I miss birding my patch in Hampshire...

[J Moss]

Haha, I try! Managed to get to and from the library today and I'm absolutely shattered. Didn't see any birds cos I was looking at the floor most of the way.

Had a Swallow over the house and 4 Goldfinches on the feeder.

Woop-de-doo

Jason

[teamsaint]

a Sabine's Gull was seen flying past Hurst Beach today, this is the first spring record for Hampshire!

[Deer Stalker]

Hi guys
The New Forest is my local patch. Went to Mark Ash Wood, North Oakley Inclosure & Bratley Wood on the 5th(May) & saw the usual woodland & heathland birds & also some firsts of the year for me: Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler & baby Tawny Owl.
Is it me or is there more Firecrests around this year?

On the 8th Walked from Blackwater car park & saw my first Crossbill fledglings of the year & a Hawfinch joining some Blackbirds mobbing what I assume was a Tawny Owl (didn't actually see it).:hi:

[J Moss]

Dunno about previous years, as I'm pretty new to the area, but there certainly appear to be lots of Firecrests around. I generally see 1-2 per visit, although my ear isn't 100% in on their call yet. I believe Teamsaint has seen up to 7 induviduals in single visits.

Good to hear about the Crossbill and tawny Owl fledglings as well.

Jason

[teamsaint]

I believe Teamsaint has seen up to 7 induviduals in single visits.

yeah but on a fairly long walk through the main breeding area.

[teamsaint]

Hi guys
The New Forest is my local patch. Went to Mark Ash Wood, North Oakley Inclosure & Bratley Wood on the 5th(May) & saw the usual woodland & heathland birds & also some firsts of the year for me: Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler & baby Tawny Owl.

where abouts was the Spotted Flycatcher, it's becoming a pretty scarce bird in Hampshire now. The only NF locations that I am aware of are Denny Wood and Slufters Inclosure

[Deer Stalker]

Hi Teamsaint & Jason.

Spotted Flycatcher was at Mark Ash Wood SU 247072. There's usually one around here most years.
Brinken & Gritnam Woods hold them also.

Bolderwood & North Oakley being a main breeding area for the Firecrest, 7 is about right for a 4 mile (3 hour) walk for me.

[pe'rigin]

Teamsaint,

If you go to Beaulieu Road Station Hotel, opposite is a woody bit, they are usually in and about the trees.

[John P]

We (myself & wife) found one, possibly two, family groups of Spotted flycatchers last summer, on the extreme western edge of the NF, about a mile and a week apart, near Bisterne Common.

Not been over that way yet this spring.

[J Moss]

American Golden Plover on Farlington Marsh today. Does anyone know the details?

I'd go have a look but, we, you know. Must stop moaning!

:storm:

Jason

[JohnnyH]

Jason, Birdguides: "one on 'The Deeps' but flew east " at 12.30

John.

[J Moss]

No surprises there! I might have even tried to hobble down tomorrow if it had hung around.

Only the 4th Hampshire record I think.

Jason

[teamsaint]

American Golden Plover on Farlington Marsh today. Does anyone know the details?

I'd go have a look but, we, you know. Must stop moaning!

:storm:

Jason

I don't know anything about it. Also today Osprey at Normandy

[J Moss]

according to this http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/birdsofhants/onlys.htm anyway

(Cant figure out to add a hyperlink anymore. Has it changed from the old BF version?)

[teamsaint]

there was another last October at Keyhaven

[J Moss]

That websites not quite up to date then.

[amh2029]

Good to see an active Hants thread going again. Anyone more Southampton based? No car so cycle everywhere - including Farlington Lymington and Lyndhurst/NF. Milyford Bridge NF is always good for spotted flycatchers and firecrests. Still hoping to see Hawfinch, Hen Harrier and Goshawk in the NF someday.

[J Moss]

They is a webcam on a Goshawks nest at the Reptile centre right now I believe. Probably not the same as seeing one in the flesh though! When I've seen them I've generally just been lucky to have a flyover.

Hawfinches, however, are pretty much clockwork at Blackwater Arbouretum. Not as reliabe at this time of year, but you've still got a chance of seeing some if you get there about 1 hour before sunset. In winter, they're absolutely guaranteed.

Jason

[Deer Stalker]

Other places I usually see Hawfinches in the New Forest are Brinken Wood, Denny Wood & Bratley Wood.

[teamsaint]

Other places I usually see Hawfinches in the New Forest are Brinken Wood, Denny Wood & Bratley Wood.

yeah I've seen them in Denny Wood but Boldrewood is also good, particularly the Canadian Memorial place. If you learn there call they are much easier to find.

[teamsaint]

Meanwhile there's a Purple Heron on a golf course somewhere and a Roseate Tern at Titchfield Haven plus a Little Gull. Also 12 Purple Sandpipers at Southsea Castle.

[John P]

They is a webcam on a Goshawks nest at the Reptile centre right now I believe.


Jason

First egg hatched at 4.00pm Friday 11th May.

Martin Down today : Cracking views of Garden warbler - out in the open and singing it's head off for about ten minutes, also Hobby and Corn bunting (the highlights)

[J Moss]

White Throated Sparrow in Southampton somewhere, according to birdguides.

Anyone know details?

Jason

[teamsaint]

White Throated Sparrow in Southampton somewhere, according to birdguides.

Anyone know details?

Jason

you beat me to it Jason!

Birdguides
20:18 12/05/07 White-throated Sparrow Hants Southampton 15:30
Southhampton Eastern Docks QE2 terminal SU425096

[teamsaint]

First egg hatched at 4.00pm Friday 11th May.

Martin Down today : Cracking views of Garden warbler - out in the open and singing it's head off for about ten minutes, also Hobby and Corn bunting (the highlights)

any *****-****** there then ;)

[J Moss]

Must admit I'm tempted. Being unabe to do any normal birding, a twitch would involve less walking. My knee should be able to handle it! (although its untested in the car as of yet. Will have a go round the block before I commit myself, lol)


you beat me to it Jason!

Birdguides
20:18 12/05/07 White-throated Sparrow Hants Southampton 15:30
Southhampton Eastern Docks QE2 terminal SU425096

[teamsaint]

Must admit I'm tempted. Being unabe to do any normal birding, a twitch would involve less walking. My knee should be able to handle it! (although its untested in the car as of yet. Will have a go round the block before I commit myself, lol)

tempted but not possible:

20:34 12/05/07 White-throated Sparrow Hants Southampton 15:30 seen well this afternoon inside the QE2 terminal but was in a restricted area

Also a piccy on Birdguides

[J Moss]

Yeah, just read that. Hopefully it'll have moved elsewhere by tomorrow.

Updates by anyone with Birdguides etc would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jason

Well done in the footy today, btw.

[teamsaint]

Well done in the footy today, btw.

wow Jason you're so funny!!

[J Moss]

Sorry mate. That was honestly just me not thinking and forgeting the score.

I'm sure you'll pull it back though.

Jason

[John P]

any *****-****** there then ;)

Not today.

Is there a real need to not name them?

Natural England are not shy about it on their website.

Birds found at Martin Down include turtledove, grey partridge, nightingale, skylark, yellowhammer and linnet. Hobby and quail may also be encountered and Montagu’s harrier and stone-curlew sometimes visit the site.Natural England - Martin Down (http://www.english-nature.org.uk/special/nnr/nnr_details.asp?NNR_ID=109)

[teamsaint]

White-throated Sparrow still this morning in area with no public access (from a personal opimion please don't try and sneak in because you'll only make access far less likely to be granted)

also at least one Roseate Tern still at Hill Head/Titchfield Haven plus 2 Arctic Skuas, Little Tern, 3 Little Gulls

Bonxie past Milford-on-Sea

3 Poms past Hurst

can't imagine too many people were out in thsi weather though!

[Deer Stalker]

where abouts was the Spotted Flycatcher, it's becoming a pretty scarce bird in Hampshire now. The only NF locations that I am aware of are Denny Wood and Slufters Inclosure

Hi teamsaint

2 more Spotted Flycatchers along the egde of Wooton Coppice Inclosure & Brownhills Inclosure along the Avon Water. Kingfisher & Lesser Spotted Woodpecker there aswell.

Do you still want me to let you know where else I see them?

[teamsaint]

thanks Deer Stalker for the info, hopefully I'll be able to look in the areas you've mentioned soon.

Yesterday evening 5 Woodlarks, Cuckoo sitting on a fence post nice views, 3 Woodcock, Stonechats, Kestrels, Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, Jays, Mistle Thrushes, Garden Warbler, Linnets, Stock Doves, Yellowhammers etc etc on Baddesley Common/Emer Bog

[Deer Stalker]

thanks Deer Stalker for the info, hopefully I'll be able to look in the areas you've mentioned soon.

Yesterday evening 5 Woodlarks, Cuckoo sitting on a fence post nice views, 3 Woodcock, Stonechats, Kestrels, Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, Jays, Mistle Thrushes, Garden Warbler, Linnets, Stock Doves, Yellowhammers etc etc on Baddesley Common/Emer Bog

5 Woodlarks ain't bad.

[teamsaint]

5 Woodlarks ain't bad.

we reckon theres 4 pairs here now

[teamsaint]

drove past farlington marshes twice today on either side of a visit to sussex and then I get home and find out that I drove past a American Golden Plover twice today, now perhaps pagers aren't that bad after all...

[J Moss]

Lol, unlucky mate. I spent the day hobbling around the New Forest today, but bumped into a chap with a pager who informed me. I arrived at Farlington at around 7 and it was showing really well. Looks like it'll be there tomorrow.

Shall write about what I saw in a bit.

Jason

[teamsaint]

Lol, unlucky mate. I spent the day hobbling around the New Forest today, but bumped into a chap with a pager who informed me. I arrived at Farlington at around 7 and it was showing really well. Looks like it'll be there tomorrow.

Shall write about what I saw in a bit.

Jason

oh sh1t, even the cripple saw it;)

[J Moss]

Rofl! Very funny. You'll get over it though B (:


oh sh1t, even the cripple saw it;)


Yeah, anyway. Very good day today, both in the Forest, and Farlington. My knee has been getting better over the last few days, and I've been dying to get out of the house properly. Turned out to be a good move, as the knee held up fine, and hardly aches at all 3:-). However, I reckon I must have looked like a complete muppet hobbling along on a crutch. Still, nice to be out.

Considering the state of my knee, I decided to set myself a few target birds, rather than wandering around aimlessly for miles like I usually do. These were; Wood Warbler, Hobby and Dartford Warbler. Wood Warbler would be a lifer, and the other 2 I had yet to see in the Forest

Started at about midday, (which is fine, in my opinion B (: ), at Mark Ash Wood. Over the (short) distance I covered here I saw 6+ Redstarts, 1 Spotted Fly, 2 Firecrests and the other usual suspects. No Wood Warblers though, which was what I was hoping for. Am not complaining tho, by any means!

Next, onto beaulieu Road Station, where I managed to hobble down to Woodfidley Passage. Quite a treck for a cripple (;)) but the knee did me proud. Good birds along this route, including a high soaring Hobby (1st target bird seen), a Dartford Warbler (2nd target bird seen), 1 Redstart, lots of Stonechats, a Wheatear, one heard Crossbill and 2 Wood Warblers (woo hoo!!!). Also saw this years 1st House Martins, collecting mud from a puddle, with Swallows. (Noticed that House Martins have feathered feet. Got me wondering; do we actually know where they winter? Probably a dumb Q.) Driving back towards Lyndhurst another pair of Hobbys swooped low over the road. I parked up and had absolutely breathtaking views of the two of them.

Final stop, having been told by a very nice chap with a pager that there was something nice there (you knows it Teamsaint!), was Farlington Marshes. Arrived at about 7pm and hobbled straight down to the Lakes, where there sat an American Golden Plover. Very nice, and showing very well. Spread its wings a couple of times to show dingy grey auxilleries, so ruling out European, and the primary projection was too long for Pacific. Dont get me wrong; I trusted the original id, but it wasn't exactly a first glance obvious bird. So, good work Jason!!! (and Jason Crook, who originally found it, last week) Also had a Little Tern swoop down onto the pool and stop on the mud for a bit, which was very nice. 2 Lesser Black Backed Gulls also stopped, and the reeds were heaving with Reed Warblers.

So good day it was. Knee did me proud!

Jason

[J Moss]

AG Plover still present at 15:30 this afternoon, at Farlington, on the near side of The Lakes. Flew off at 17:30 and I wasn't able to relocate it. However, being a cripple, it wasn't a massively extensive search! Could still be around.

Also seen:

4+ Little Terns, including one taking a bath on The Lakes. V. nice.
2 Bearded Tits
1 Ringed Plover
19 Dunlins in S. plumage
c8 Black Tailed Godwits
Sedgies, Reedies and Cettis all over the place.

Jason

[J Moss]

AG Plover still present today, showing well.

Also a 1st summer Grey Plover in similar plumage, which had me going for a bit! Thought we had 2 AGPs!

[teamsaint]

plenty of birds in Hampshire today:

American Golden Plover still at Farlington on the lake plus Curlew Sandpiper
Temminck's Stint Needs Ore Point for second day
Little Stint, Garganey, LRP all at Keyhaven
Spoonbill still at Titchfield Haven plus 2 reported circling over and dropping down in the Upper Haven. don't know how many birds are involved

Also yesterday Wood Sandpiper at Hook-with-Warsash

[J Moss]

American Golden Plover still on the Lake at Farlington, handing around with a near summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper (was this reported there yesterday Teamsaint, or on the Oysterbeds? I had a look last night, but couldn't find it). Very nice anyhoo. A Marsh Harrier made an apperance, over the reedbeds at the back of the river.

Also went to see the Kentish Plover at Church Norton, W. Sussex, which was showing very well on the mudflats, along with a full summer Grey Plover, 2 full summer Knots and other bits and bobs.

Jason

[teamsaint]

American Golden Plover still on the Lake at Farlington, handing around with a near summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper (was this reported there yesterday Teamsaint, or on the Oysterbeds? I had a look last night, but couldn't find it). Very nice anyhoo. A Marsh Harrier made an apperance, over the reedbeds at the back of the river.

Also went to see the Kentish Plover at Church Norton, W. Sussex, which was showing very well on the mudflats, along with a full summer Grey Plover, 2 full summer Knots and other bits and bobs.

Jason

so the cripple has seen more than one rare wader in a day

save me Jebus!!!

[J Moss]

If I'm honest, I feel a bit guilty, what with all of the twitching and all. But I'm not likely to be walking any long distances with this knee. It was horrible only stopping at the Kentish Plover and not cheching out the rest of the place. V. nice bird all the same. Check the tides first if you want to see it though.

Jason

[J Moss]

Heres some crappy pictures of the American Golden Plover with the Curlew Sandpiper taken with my mobile through my scope. Feel free to slate as much as you like. At least the cripple saw them ;)

[Al livsey]

Very good pictures Jason.
I had only my second visit of Farlington yesterday afternoon, and had the place to myself.After a full circuit around the sea wall i didn't see anyone else, until i got to the lake.
Altogether i saw 34 species, including ringed plover, reed warbler, and a single brent goose on a pond with some cattle.Shouldn't they all have migrated by now?
The american golden plover was showing well but i didn't see the curlew sandpiper. I was hoping to see some little tern and some sandwich terns, but i dipped on them aswell, are the oysterbeds in Langstone harbour a good place to see them?
Plenty of whitethroat and some dartford warblers on Browndown common, Gosport (Tuesday)
Hope the gammy knee gets better!

Alan.

[J Moss]

Hi Alan.

Thanks. I was quite pleased with how the pics came out on the computer, to be honest. Only been able to get them off the phone today, because of software problems.

I haven't been able to get round the whole reserve for the past 4 weeks (I'm sure everyones sick of hearing why by now!), so I cant really give you a full rundown of what you may have missed. Tbh, you probably did ok, as the reserve does seem to quieten down at this time of year. In the winter you can easily surpass 60 species. Most of the duck species are gone now I'd imagine, along with Rock and Water Pipits, the Merlins, Grebes (all 4, bar Little which is resident) many of the waders (although they're still clinging on in small numbers) and the brents (bar one, obviously! There were thousands though! Just a straggler).

However, at this time of year, and later in autumn, the reserve can be excelent for uncommon waders, such as the AG Plover, obviously. It's also heaving with Common and Lesser Whitethroats, Sedge and Reed Warblers. There is also a Common Sandpiper around, but it's tricky to spot unless you know where it tends to hang around. Wheatears and Yellow Wags are also fairly regular.

All three Tern species should be viewable from the reserve. I've had at least 1 Little Tern fly in and bathe on the Lake, where the AGP is, every evening for the past 4 days, so it's worth just sitting and watching the lake for a bit if you've got time. It's really nice to see. You also get a few flying close behind you, along with Commons and Sandwich Terns. It's worth scanning out over the water also for these, as they're usually fishing.

Well done with the Dartfords. Theres a pair breeding near me I believe, but I'll keep the site quiet.

Shame about the Curlew Sand. Really nice bird. I didnt see it yesterday evening either. There was one on the Oysterbeds though, apparently. Probably the same bird.

Glad you enjoyed your visit.

Jason


Very good pictures Jason.
I had only my second visit of Farlington yesterday afternoon, and had the place to myself.After a full circuit around the sea wall i didn't see anyone else, until i got to the lake.
Altogether i saw 34 species, including ringed plover, reed warbler, and a single brent goose on a pond with some cattle.Shouldn't they all have migrated by now?
The american golden plover was showing well but i didn't see the curlew sandpiper. I was hoping to see some little tern and some sandwich terns, but i dipped on them aswell, are the oysterbeds in Langstone harbour a good place to see them?
Plenty of whitethroat and some dartford warblers on Browndown common, Gosport (Tuesday)
Hope the gammy knee gets better!

Alan.

[J Moss]

so the cripple has seen more than one rare wader in a day

save me Jebus!!!


Lol, sorry mate.

Get yourself a car, and even you could see 2 rare waders in one day! Maybe even 3!!! : p

I promise, once my knee heals, I'll stop twitching. (Hopefully. Maybe...)

Jason

[teamsaint]

theres usually one or two injured brents that spend the summer there

[colonelboris]

theres usually one or two injured brents that spend the summer there

Ah, so not the only cripples around Farlington then.... ;)

[J Moss]

Hahaha.

Jason

[colonelboris]

Funny thing here is that a knot, grey plover and some sanderling turned up here (with some dunlin and curlew) and apparently it was a big thing and I found myself thinking, 'but I've seen all those at home...'

[teamsaint]

hants has been quiet recently. anybody else want to carry out the isle of wight plan yet;) ??

[J Moss]

Possibly my last day birding Hants today (depending on how wasted I get Friday night. Might get out saturday), as I'm graduating in July, so will be back to Norfolk pretty much permanantly. Went pretty well, if I do say so myself.

Started with Farlington, which produced of note: 2 Avocets, 2 Black Tailed Godwits in winter plumage still, 3 Bearded Tits showing very well, 1 Cuckoo (seen before heard. Dunno how significant that is :brains: ) and a family of Whitethroats, with one youngster being partially leucistic, with white on the head. Lots of other stuff about to, obviously.

Then headed down to Shatterford, New Forest. Headed down deliberately late in the day, at around 4:30, with the intention of catching the Nightjars once again, after a bit of a wander. Took a slightly different route this time. rather than heading straight down the heath to Woodfidley, I followed the path to Denny Wood, and walked around, back to Woodfidley. Proved to be a very rewarding route. 1 male Bullfinch, 2 showy Nutchatches, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers a singing Redstart and a couple of Marsh Tits were the best birds seen in Denny Wood. Then into the heath clearing to the south, and another seen before heard Cuckoo pirched in a birch. Then, on checking the top of a dead tree, found a brilliant Hobby! Amazing view of it pirched and in flight. Then, heading to the gate, I heard a song that was familiar. I scan around, all the time thinking "nah, it'll probably be a Tree Pipit showing off". But no, there it was; my first New Forest Woodlark! :D . Bout time! Got a sh*t pic through binocs on mobile phone. Will put in up tomorrow.

Continued walking on to Woodfidley Passage and Penny Moor. 1Wood Warbler was seen, but none were heard. Was pretty lucky to see the one I did, tbh. Also another Cuckoo, a couple of Green Woodpeckers and the usual other bits and bobs.

So, now I had to kill some time waiting for the Nightjars to begin. Spent the time walking up and down Shatterford heath with my eyes and ears peeled. Heared and saw a Dartford Warbler just as it was getting dark, which was nice. Heard the first Nightjar at 9:15, giving a brief churr. Then managed to watch a pair flying above the horizon at 9:30. Curlew also calling late into the evening.

Jason

[J Moss]

Here it is, in all its glory! Must admit, I'm not finding these crap pics as amusing as I was initially. May have to buy a decent camera.

Jason

[teamsaint]

Looks like a Skylark to me Jason ;)

Go and spoil yourself in Norfolk (there's just too many birds there, It's not fair)

[teamsaint]

'several' Quail reported from Martin Down yesterday

[teamsaint]

the 'several' Quail became 6 on friday

there was a Red-backed Shrike at Normandy on Saturday

and on sunday (yesterday):

a report of a Rose-coloured Starling at Oxey Marsh

105 Mediterranean Gulls at Badminston Gravel Pit which is inland from Fawley

and a Honey Buzzard over Chandler's Ford

[AC/DC]

there were at least two cuckoo's on oxey marsh on saturday, one of which was very approachable. I couldn't find the shrike though!
I was also suprised by a wagtail catching a damselfly - it must have been quick!

[teamsaint]

nothing has been seen in hampshire except a probably hoopoe near beaulieu

of lesser interest a ruff at keyhaven and all the usuals in the NF such as honey buzzards, goshawks etc. little gull and green sandpiper at titchfield haven. green sandpipers have been at lower test marshes since 5th june

[teamsaint]

roseate tern from land of suppression (titchfield haven) on wednesday plus the little gull was still there yesterday. its now been there over 2 weeks and there have been others as well

[Al livsey]

I had a look round the 'land of suppression' on Thursday, but didn't see much to suppress. I dipped on the Roseate tern and the Green Sandpiper,but i did see my first Sedge Warbler hanging off a reed, and some fledgling Avocets.
From which hide was the Little Gull seen? I hope to go again one day next week, when the weather improves.
Nice website by the way.

Alan.

[teamsaint]

red-backed shrike at yately common, although im sure that the ne hants thread will have already discussed it

[J Moss]

Tonys old local patch. Bet he wishes he was home now!

Jason

[JohnnyH]

Apparently seen this morning opposite the Ely pub on the A30 but no futher sign this afternoon, bugger was gonna twitch it after work tonight!

John.

[teamsaint]

Tonys old local patch. Bet he wishes he was home now!

Jason

yeah but I bet you're happy not to be in hampshire

goes off in sulk :C (only 10 years before I can migrate to *orfolk)

[J Moss]

yeah but I bet you're happy not to be in hampshire

goes off in sulk :C (only 10 years before I can migrate to *orfolk)


I am doing quite well up her in norfolk, arent I! But hampshire isn't bad by any stretch of the imagination! I seriously miss the NF, and it's a shame to leave Farlington behind. I was becoming fairly attached to that place, and my list was growing nicely. Dont really have a local patch in Norfolk. However, with all the good places within spitting distance, I guess it's all my patch. : p

Jason (probably making you sulk even more! Sorry)

[teamsaint]

it was tipping down yesterday morning but by the afternoon it had cleared slightly so we headed to amrtin down. only 2 very brief showers otherwise it was quite hot even though big black clouds were overhead. excellent views of corn buntings but only saw 1 turtle dove and that was just in flight. also saw both partridges, lesser whitethroat (plus heard a few more and saw loads of common whitethroats), commoner warbler, stonechat, yellowhammer and numerous skylarks. on the way there i ahd seen 4 buzzards along the M3 and a corn bunting and a spotted flycatcher very close to martin down. also for the butterfly enthusiasts amongst us there were large numbers of dark green fritilaries and marbled whites plus large white, silver-washed fritilary, small heath, meadow brown, ringlet, red admiral, painted lady, small blue, large skipper, green hairstreak and probable duke of burgundy (having looked on various websites I'm pretty confident aboyt this one)

also on friday a pair of grey wagtails showing very well at bishopstoke plus cetti's, reed warbler, green woodpecker etc

[J Moss]

Blimey, thats quite collection of butterflies. I haven't seen half of them!

Jason

[teamsaint]

there should be more in a few weeks time, and i would have added a few if i went into the woods (white admiral, holly blue, brimstone etc). come july it will be time to pay a visit to bentley wood for these (http://www.pbase.com/dean_eades/image/62944386) beauties

[J Moss]

Wow. That is a beauty. I'm making it my new mission to get into butterflies, dragonflies etc. I'm familliar with most of the common butterflies, but I have never seen most of the bad boys youv'e listed.

Jason

[teamsaint]

roseate tern off hook-with-warsash this morning seen by bob marchant

[teamsaint]

visited great covert in chandler's ford last night and heard 4 nightjar, but unfortunately saw none. also saw about 7 woodcock, a barn owl and noctule and pipistrelle bats plus a silver-washed fritilary

[teamsaint]

saw 6 kingfishers together at emer bog!!!!!!!!!!!

[RegTelescope]

I will be visiting the New Forest early October.

Any idea of the best area to visit for some of the more unusual species?

Firecrest, Dartford Warbler and Crossbill would be particularly good.

Please PM me if you have any info. Thanks in anticipation. :t:

[teamsaint]

Hampshire is finally getting a bit more interesting with Spoonbills at Farlington, Roseate Tern at Titchfield Haven and Wood Sandpiper at Pennington in the last couple of days.

[teamsaint]

I had a bit of quality today with an adult Black Tern by the Hill Head Sailing Club and then an adult Roseate on the south scrape at Titchfield Haven. Also at the Haven Green Sandpiper, 5 Med Gulls, Arctic Tern??, Little Egrets, Bearded Tit and a super pair of Kestrels that were showing very well. Also a Roe Deer walking around on the scrape

[teamsaint]

a couple of digiscoped pics here: http://hampshirebirder.blogspot.com/2007/07/titchfield-haven.html

[J Moss]

Nice day Top. Hants isn't as boring as you make it out to be, is it ;)

Jason

[J Moss]

And nice pics as well.

[teamsaint]

come on guys let's try and get some more posts on this thread! I know I'm not the only hampshireish person here!

[gyrfalcon]

Hello All,
Seeing a bit of movement this week with Wheatear at Danebury Hill on Tuesday 24th July, and both Wheatear and Whinchat at Baddesley Common this morning. Maybe in for a very long Autumn migration if this is the start!

Also plenty of Willow Warblers, ChiffChaffs, Blackcaps, Tits, Whitethroats in family parties in Emer Bog.

[Frampton 25]

We had a walk around Highland water Inclosure in the New Forest on Saturday afternoon, the weather wasn't up to much, but there were some decent birds. Crossbills, good numbers of Spotted Flycatchers, a single male Pied Flycatcher, and Redstart, as well as the usual stuff, Siskin, Nuthatch, Treecreeper etc.

If anyone needs to catch up with Mediterranean Gulls, Calshot is a good place to see them in various plumages.

[J Moss]

Pied Fly is rather unusual for the New Forest, at any time of the year. May be worth letting the county recorder know. Well done.

Jason

[teamsaint]

Pied Fly is rather unusual for the New Forest, at any time of the year. May be worth letting the county recorder know. Well done.

Jason

yep as I think I mentioned before on another thread Pied Fly is a very rare breeder in the New Forest although at this time of year I don't think migrants can be completely ruled out????

And about the Med Gulls just inland from Calshot is Badminston Gravel Pit which held up to 100 in June

[J Moss]

Pretty early for migrants I'd think, although probably not impossible, as you say. Maybe location should be kept quiet, just in case.

[AC/DC]

Today i found a ruddy shelduck at keyhaven marshes, then relocated it on the marsh inside hurst spit.
also a raven and about 100 gannest, including young feeding off the needles.

[colonelboris]

Crikey - it'll be nice to come back for a few days later this month. I'm just trying to work out how to successfully badger the parents into giving me a lift down that way...

[Deer Stalker]

We had a walk around Highland water Inclosure in the New Forest on Saturday afternoon, the weather wasn't up to much, but there were some decent birds. Crossbills, good numbers of Spotted Flycatchers, a single male Pied Flycatcher, and Redstart, as well as the usual stuff, Siskin, Nuthatch, Treecreeper etc.

Had a look at the Beech fern in Highland Water around May & I thought I heard Pied Flycatcher song, but didn't see it or hear it again so I couldn't be sure. (still could have been passing through though).
Forgot to mention it to the Keeper too.|:(|

[AC/DC]

couple of garganey , along with up to 11 sanderling, plenty of whimbrel all present at keyhaven, with an adult black tern on saturday.

[teamsaint]

couple of garganey , along with up to 11 sanderling, plenty of whimbrel all present at keyhaven, with an adult black tern on saturday.

nice work steve, i haven't been out for a while

[AC/DC]

cheers, I kinda combined a few reports from hos - you might have seen that I couldn't be bothered to go to the avon flood so didnt see the garganey! ( or the black tern - that was bob chapman )

Oh, i forgot, also saw an adult med gull at keyhaven.

[AC/DC]

Been meaning to post these - some ruddy shelduck record shots.

[AC/DC]

Hythe spartina today,

A soaring peregrine,
24 Redshank
43 Oystercatcher
22 Turnstone
2 Whimbrel
4 Lapwing
18 Ringed Plover
22 Cormorant
31 Starling
57 Black Tailed Godwit
1 Great crested Grebe
2 Grey Heron
3 Buzzard
3 Common Tern
2 Little Egret
1 GS woodpecker
8 Dunlin
1 Common Sandpiper

[birder of the south]

Had goshawks at the weekend in the forest, 1 juv calling continuously from the top of a Fir tree. Also saw an adult briefly fly over head.

Lee

[gyrfalcon]

Some fairly standard sightings from the weekend below.. see my blog for more of the same!:
(http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/petermk/)

Spent most of the weekend in the new forest, camping.
Weather was extremely hot so most of the time was spent looking for shade in the deep forest. Despite the weather and time of year a few typical New Forest species were seen including Redstart, Marsh Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Buzzards, Nuthatch and treecreeper. Had plenty of Crossbills overhead, and also a Raven, and decent views of Nightjars as we returned home from the pub!

Ventured out into Shatterford on Sunday morning but the birdlife was very limited with only a very distant Dartford Warbler of note. Did however see my first Grayling Butterfly, and also Silver Washed Fritillaries and a few commoner species.

Monday evening, Skidmore: Spent an hour or so walking the Test Valley way, and had a very productive time seeing Hobby, Barn Owl, Green Sandpipier, Grey Wagtail, and two Ravens high overhead.

Cheers,
Peter

[birder of the south]

Juv White Winged Black Tern Hayling Island in Langstone Harbouron buoy viewable from the kench.

[birder of the south]

Here isthe pic of the goshawk, not that gd but excellent scope views.

[amh2029]

Hi,

A friend of mine new to Hampshire wants to see a few birding sites this Sunday. She has a car, so we're reasonably mobile. I'm wondering where to go. I had thought about the NF but perhaps it's better to wait until later in the year for a visit there. And I had also wondered about a trip to Farlington with a return journey via Titchfield. As a general question, and putting yourself in my unimaginative shoes, what would be your itinery this Sunday if you wanted to give a newby to Hampshire a good show?

Cheers,

Andrew

[gyrfalcon]

Hi,

A friend of mine new to Hampshire wants to see a few birding sites this Sunday. She has a car, so we're reasonably mobile. I'm wondering where to go. I had thought about the NF but perhaps it's better to wait until later in the year for a visit there. And I had also wondered about a trip to Farlington with a return journey via Titchfield. As a general question, and putting yourself in my unimaginative shoes, what would be your itinery this Sunday if you wanted to give a newby to Hampshire a good show?

Cheers,

Andrew

Hello Andrew,
See my post #149 above. I had a similar dilemna last weekend with friends just down for the weekend. They wanted to go into the New Forest, and I convinced them we would see nothing! As it happened we did see a modest amount of birds, but it was hard work. The Heathland was a dead loss for birdlife though.
Smart money would have gone to Keyhaven or any other coastal site, however the forest at least had some shade, and was quite pleasant when the sun was at it's strongest.

Have fun wherever you go!
Peter

[teamsaint]

Farlington could be good, should be lots of waders/terns (Curlew Sand quite possible) also in that area there are a couple of Ospreys in Chichester Harbour. Or Titchfield Haven for Roseate/Black Terns but neither is garunteed and there will be loads of Common Terns to look through.

[amh2029]

Thanks for your suggestions guys - I'll let you know how I get on.

andrew

[davidearlgray]

Hi all, just before I go on the Biscay ferry this sunday, I just wondered if there was any decent birding sites around Portsmouth. Ive heard Farlington Marshes is a good site?
I look forward to your replies,
Cheers,
Dave.

[amh2029]

Hi all, just before I go on the Biscay ferry this sunday, I just wondered if there was any decent birding sites around Portsmouth. Ive heard Farlington Marshes is a good site?
I look forward to your replies,
Cheers,
Dave.

Hi Dave,

This time of year curlew sands should be there, and I've usually had success seeing bearded tits in the reeds across the stream. A black tern or two might be out in the harbour - best viewed from the southern most tip of the reserve. A couple of years ago I was fortunate enough to see a R-B-Shrike there around this time, so who knows what might turn up!

Andrew

[JohnnyH]

I was at Farlington this morning, still 1 Spoonbill present early on the stream. Also seen - Black Tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank along with a nice selection of the common warblers - both Whitethroats, Blackcap, Reed & Sedge, & a very smart Willow Warbler.

John.

[teamsaint]

spotted crake reported from farlington today. AC/DC got some nice pics of the Spoonbill yesterday (plus a Peregrine)

[JohnnyH]

The Spotted Crake was seen in an area with no public access apparently!

[AC/DC]

cheers tom,

see attached pics below.

Also had ruff, wheatear, yellow wag and black tern at keyhaven today, but no pics. Wood sand was seen, but not by me.

[AC/DC]

I have a website now, about hants birding and stuff, may be of interest:

http://geocities.com/stevethebirder/

[teamsaint]

I have a website now, about hants birding and stuff, may be of interest:

http://geocities.com/stevethebirder/

And yes, for those who haven't guessed, my name is steve, not ac/dc...

nice to see the sightings update page coz i gave mine up ages ago. though perhaps you could be a bit more precise with some sightings e.g the marsh harrier at winchester hill. there was also 2 whinchat, hobby, little owl, 2 wheatear, 2 turtle dove and 3 redstart. i reckon that these sightings would be of interest to some, so perhaps the reports could be thickened a bit. people certainly use this kind of thing so why not make it a better service ;)
tom

[AC/DC]

cheers for the tip, have updated accordingly

[Deer Stalker]

Had goshawks at the weekend in the forest, 1 juv calling continuously from the top of a Fir tree. Also saw an adult briefly fly over head.

Lee

Nice to hear thier calls ringing through the woods.;)

[amh2029]

Hello Andrew,
See my post #149 above. I had a similar dilemna last weekend with friends just down for the weekend. They wanted to go into the New Forest, and I convinced them we would see nothing! As it happened we did see a modest amount of birds, but it was hard work. The Heathland was a dead loss for birdlife though.
Smart money would have gone to Keyhaven or any other coastal site, however the forest at least had some shade, and was quite pleasant when the sun was at it's strongest.

Have fun wherever you go!
Peter

Went for the 'early morning at hengistbury/lunchtime at keyhaven/afternoon at NF' combo in the end. Quite a nice circular route from southampton. Hobby taking a small passerine in flight was a highlight (not for the passerine, obviously) at hengistbury; great views of a dartford warbler and med gull at Keyhaven (failed to convince one excited birder that the small flock of ringed plovers were not kentish plovers); and no birds but a great view up on acres down.

Very excellent!

andrew

[AC/DC]

nice one andrew. Yeah, theres a bit of controversy about the kentish plover on hoslist atm.....

Did you manage ruff @ keyhaven?

[amh2029]

nice one andrew. Yeah, theres a bit of controversy about the kentish plover on hoslist atm.....

Did you manage ruff @ keyhaven?

Hi Steve,

No, missed it this time - didn't go round as far as pennington. Seen ruff there before though. That stretch of coastline really is outstanding. Unsubscribed from hoslist a while back. I can just imagine the tenor of the debate - cats in a bag I bet!

andrew

[gyrfalcon]

Normandy, Sunday afternoon:
2 juv Knot

Keyhaven/Pennington:
Ruddy Shelduck and 2 Garganey at the Balancing lake,
Also 4 Juv Knot, 6 Grey Plover, juv Peregrine, Dartford Warbler, Wheatear, Water Rail, Kingfisher, 2 Swifts

Cheers,
Peter
http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/petermk/

[teamsaint]

The White-winged Black Tern has been reported from Langstone Harbour again, also Marsh Harrier at Farlington and Osprey still in the area

[AC/DC]

yup and a lil' stint was around hythe yesterday.

[skatebirder]

Meanwhile, I get excited about a Redstart on my local patch!
(Lower Test Marshes). Also the usual Little Egrets, Green Sandpipers and kingfisher, but no raptors this morning.
Nice weather for November, anyway.
David

[AC/DC]

Lol, nice one.

Spoonbill still at farlington by the looks of it

[teamsaint]

Aarghh, we are sandwiched between rarities. What is wrong with Hampshire at the moment. There hasnt been a rare bird in Hants since the AGP in May. Fortunate then that I'm going to Norfolk next week :king: Reported today though, a couple of Arctic Skuas at Hurst plus a Purple Sand thats been there a few days. Also Black Tern n stuff at Keyhaven and Marsh Harrier and Spoonbill at Farlington.

[AC/DC]

Lucky bar steward. ;)
Oh yeah, and whats this about me having bad music taste?

Anyhooo

There will be a rarity soon though, and as soon as we get the right weather ( that doesn't change the day after ). I think that is the problem - no two days seem to be the same atm

[teamsaint]

Oh yeah, and whats this about me having bad music taste?

just a harmless joke lol, i think I should change my username to Hayseed Dixie! ;)

[AC/DC]

Lol, I wasn't offended, just trying to keep this thread alive. ( GIVE US SOME RARITIES!! )

Oh yeah and you seriously should, they r awesome.

Just to keep it relevant:
Juv. Black tern on rockford lake @ blashford and roseate at titchfield

Was going to go 2 keyhaven 2morrow, looking at the 34mph winds predicted ( and thats inland! ) i think not...

[AC/DC]

Osprey in the solent off lepe yesterday

[skatebirder]

Two Whinchats at Lower Test Marshes today (my first of the year). All the other small birds (if there were any) were hiding from the wind.
Oh look - it's raining.
Again.

[RoyCo]

Hello,
Am also a frequent Keyhaven visitor and avid tern watcher so the Black tern is of interest ... thanks.
Also a pair of Green sandpipers at Blashford. Probable osprey in the valley and a red-kite last week.

[skatebirder]

I forgot to mention that there was a Yellow Legged Gull at Lower Test Marshes this morning, viewed from Redbridge flyover. I don't know whether anyone is interested in YLGs any more...?

[AC/DC]

I've stopped putting so much news on here as I put them on my sightings page ( on my website ). Not that there is much to talk about.. I have got a couple of articles on there, so if anyone is reading this thread thinking of visiting hampshire, may be worth a read.

hants is really not as bad as i make it out to be.

Skatebirder, I actually need YLG! I'll get it next time...
How about those kingfishers though.. surely the best site for them in hants atm?

On the subject of kingfishers, they are back at keyhaven and normandy.

Oh, and hi Roy, nice to have another hampshirian!

[gyrfalcon]

hants is really not as bad as i make it out to be.



Too right.. you should try living in North Bucks for 10 years, like I did!
Some of the sightings on here would cause a stampede ;)

Like the site Steve, BTW.

[AC/DC]

Lol, its just when, as tom says, 'we are sandwiched between rarities' it seems worse than it is.

cheers for the comment

There was a Spotted Crake on baddesly common yesterday.

Is it me or are the little stints and curlew sands a bit slow on getting here?

God, i sound like an old man...

[AC/DC]

oh yeah,

Peter and tom, can i add links to your sites/blogs on mine?

Cheers

[gyrfalcon]

Sure Steve, if you go to mine a couple of times, you'll probably double the number of viewers! I'll do something to publicise your website on my blog in return.

Sounds like I was nearly on the money looking pre-dawn for a Crake at Emer Bog last week. Pity I was a week too soon by the look of it!
Always nice to hear rare bird sightings when I'm at work!

Peter

[colonelboris]

Yout think you've got it bad - try at the North end of Hampshire...
Had a look for whinchats over Yateley Common South, but as the weather was quite bad I went home a bit early. That and I found that Queasyjet have completely trashed my scope. The casing had come apart, the eyepiece had fallen off and the focus now becomes stuck trying to focus further than 25 metres.
Niiiiiice.

[Nevtiger]

Steve,

You mention Marsh Harrier in the last couple of days on your website at Farlington.

I have stopped there each day this week between jobs just briefly and saw something that i assumed to be a weird gull this morning that was flying very strange but just very Similar to the Montagu's i saw this month.

Now, considering i have been at this now for 4 weeks! And got excited this morning that i saw a Whimbral, due to my lack of skills, is it possible i saw a Marsh Harrier???

Cheers

Nev

[AC/DC]

Thanks peter.
colonel, lol, my tripod is broken at the moment, its very annoying.

An osprey at hatchet pond at 3:00, but when i checked at about 4 it had gone.

Nev,

It is possible, but what you would probably notice is the brown coloration, which i assume it didnt have if it was similar to a gull.

It could well have been, if you could give some more details ( i.e markings colours, size ) i may be able to help more. If it was large enough, there is a possibilty it was an osprey. Well done on the whimbrel.

[Nevtiger]

Steve,

I was well chuffed on the Whimbrel, i had my RSPB book on my lap - i was sat in the car - and it wandered up to within 20m of the carpark at the roundabout.

The UFB was too far to see good markings, it was the flying pattern that made me notice it, i assumed it was a Gull/Tern/Type as there were a few flying away from it! Low to the mud heading towards the sea wall opposite the gravel dock.

Trouble is i see lots of different birds but i just dont yet have the skills to identify them!

Nev

[AC/DC]

it could have been a young tern, a younger gull, or if the same size as a buzzard, an osprey. If the gulls were mobbing or fleeing it, this could be a good indication of an osprey

Dont worry if you cant i.d it, you'll be able to sooner than you know.

[Nevtiger]

An Osprey?

Shows my lack of knowledge i thought they came from Scotland!

Nev

[RoyCo]

Steve,

I was well chuffed on the Whimbrel, i had my RSPB book on my lap - i was sat in the car - and it wandered up to within 20m of the carpark at the roundabout.

The UFB was too far to see good markings, it was the flying pattern that made me notice it, i assumed it was a Gull/Tern/Type as there were a few flying away from it! Low to the mud heading towards the sea wall opposite the gravel dock.

Trouble is i see lots of different birds but i just dont yet have the skills to identify them!

Nev
Keep plugging away Nev. I have only been doing this "birding lark" (pun intended) for less than 10 years and still need my Collins Guide handy. The more you look, the more you see (the more confused you get)!

[skatebirder]

Yes - just keep on watching the birds and reading the guides, then one day you'll suddenly find that you know the identity of almost all of the birds you see. But only "almost"...even the experts get things wrong (see discussion forums on this site about the "Chinatown Warbler", which could have been any of 3 or 4 different species, but no-one quite knows which; or the recent Chimney Swift in York - oh no it wasn't (oh yes it was)).
Ospreys do come from Scotland, but they always head south after the breeding season, and several of them pass through Hampshire. I've seen 2 on my local patch at Lower Test Marshes this, err, autumn. They could still be around for a few weeks.
David

[gyrfalcon]

Nothing much at Emer Bog this evening.. Water Rail heard. The largest bit of open mud was grilled by a birder before I got there, who told me a dog had just waded through it.. Welcome to Emer bog! Stayed an hour til dark, but no sign of anything.
Didn't even see a Water Rail come out into this exposed area, so maybe it's not such a good place to stake out. You win some...!

[teamsaint]

wow some new hampshirenites, anyway about the spotted crake at emer bog, i had a look this evening but there really doesnt seem to be much chance of seeing it as theres so many bits for it to hide in. still havent got the details from the person who saw it. very quiet otherwise with 4-5 calling tawny owls the only thing of note. except a mystery bird that flew out of a marshy bit and over the trees. initial reaction was bittern than marsh harrier then purple heron (!!!) but I only saw it for a second so cant be sure of anything. also had a probable hobby over the trees for about 3 seconds. overall a pretty fustrating evening with no migrants either despite a good search on the common. on the way back though another tawny flew across the road just before hursley.

[colonelboris]

New Hampshirite? I'll have you know I had a North Hampshire and borders page on here long before you cheeky beggars started this one. Grr, grumble, grumble...

;)

[AC/DC]

Lol.
Still a spoonbill at titchfield.

Good to see a few more hants birders chipping in /joining

[teamsaint]

New Hampshirite? I'll have you know I had a North Hampshire and borders page on here long before you cheeky beggars started this one. Grr, grumble, grumble...

;)

I wasnt actually refering to you Mr B ;)

Pied Crow lol lol lol

[gyrfalcon]

except a mystery bird that flew out of a marshy bit and over the trees. initial reaction was bittern than marsh harrier then purple heron (!!!) but I only saw it for a second so cant be sure of anything.

Wow, a real Hoodwink.. All three are possible there I guess!

Agree it's a huge area, and 95% is out of sight.. maybe we're only finding about 5% of the Spotted Crakes ;)

[AC/DC]

Nev,

I have just noticed your thread in tips for new birders.

Get yourself down to somewhere like keyhaven on a weekend, there are always a lot of birders, and its a great place to get to grips with identifying waders. There is always the possibility of something quite rare like a little stint or curlew sandpiper. And of course, there will usually be someone else to help.

If you'd prefer to go somewhere where there are hides, try titchfield haven. The people at the visitor centre will tell you where best to go, and while its (probably) not quite as good as keyhaven at the moment, it is still good for I.d-ing more common birds, and as i said before, there is a spoonbill there.

[AC/DC]

just thought :
to fill page 7 took 14 days while page 8 took less than 24 hours...

[teamsaint]

just thought :
to fill page 7 took 14 days while page 8 took less than 24 hours...

and by making posts like this we can increase this rate ;) but there is actually a reason for this post - yes you can add my link to your site.

[AC/DC]

Lol
My secret plan, thwarted!

Cheers for that.

Forgot - garganey at titchfield as well

[gyrfalcon]

Yes - just keep on watching the birds and reading the guides, then one day you'll suddenly find that you know the identity of almost all of the birds you see. But only "almost"...even the experts get things wrong (see discussion forums on this site about the "Chinatown Warbler", which could have been any of 3 or 4 different species, but no-one quite knows which; or the recent Chimney Swift in York - oh no it wasn't (oh yes it was)).
Ospreys do come from Scotland, but they always head south after the breeding season, and several of them pass through Hampshire. I've seen 2 on my local patch at Lower Test Marshes this, err, autumn. They could still be around for a few weeks.
David

And my advice would be to take notes of anything unusual.. Preferably in the field while watching it, but if not in the field, then as soon as you get back home. And don't worry if it takes a while to get to the right identification..
I've just identified a bird I saw/heard on April 13th! (was a flyover Tree Pipit, pretty obvious now, had me totally stumped at the time!).

Anyone know any other local birders we can drag onto here? and why is this forum getting a totally different set of posts compared to HOSList?!

[birder of the south]

Had a Hobby last night in botley over my garden then headed low NE

Lee

[skatebirder]

Lower Test Marshes earlier today produced:
Whinchat - 2
Stonechat - 1
Spotted Flycatcher - 1
Green Sand - 10
Common Sand - 2
Yellow Legged Gulls - 15+ (15 ads plus an unspecified no of young birds...I'm no good at ID-ing these yet)
Whimbrel -1
Greenshank - 1
Peregrine - 1
Kingfisher - 1
Little Egret - 6+
Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler

Not a bad haul for LTM.

David

[AC/DC]

And my advice would be to take notes of anything unusual.. Preferably in the field while watching it, but if not in the field, then as soon as you get back home. And don't worry if it takes a while to get to the right identification..
I've just identified a bird I saw/heard on April 13th! (was a flyover Tree Pipit, pretty obvious now, had me totally stumped at the time!).

Anyone know any other local birders we can drag onto here? and why is this forum getting a totally different set of posts compared to HOSList?!

I recently brought this up on hoslist. Apparently it is too confusing / hard to navigate , with all the different bits and bobs, rather than on hoslist theres just one place.

[gyrfalcon]

Interesting, because the way this thread has exploded in the last 24 hours(!), it could be "rivalling" the Hoslist. This thread has the potential to be a bit more friendly, informal, and "dynamic" which is good.

[Nevtiger]

I saw a Little Egret at Farlington this morning - very brief stop - it had the decency to fly over my head into the wind very slowly, so that i could look it up.

Nev

[AC/DC]

RED NECKED PHARALOPE @ KEYHAVEN/PENNINGTON!!

Butts lagoon, feeding near black t godwits. Quite distant but great scope views.

At last, a really good bird!

Was pointed out by marc moody at a about 5:30. I couldn't stay for long, but did manage a few record shots (very poor ), I will upload later. A great bird and lifer for me.
|:D| |:D| |:D| |8)| |8)| :D

[colonelboris]

My only beef with HOS is that the county does extend North of Andover (Fleet Pond excepted, of course).
I know it's a bit dull up here in the North, but it's still my patch (when I'm back in the UK).

[birder of the south]

Saw the Red Necked Phal on Butts lagoon this evening, great views in the scope but a bit distant for pics and the light wasnt that good so if it sticks hopefully ill go again and try for some better pics.

Lee

[JohnnyH]

My only beef with HOS is that the county does extend North of Andover (Fleet Pond excepted, of course).
I know it's a bit dull up here in the North, but it's still my patch (when I'm back in the UK).

Nice one Col, totally agree, still we've got our own thread thanks to your good self.


John.

[AC/DC]

same here lee - bit too far for a 400mm lens

[colonelboris]

Nice one Col, totally agree, still we've got our own thread thanks to your good self.


John.

Something I shall add to as soon as I find something. I'm trying for whinchat on Yatelay Common South where I saw one last year.
Have now 'fixed' the scope, so hopefully it'll live long enough to be replaced before completely giving in.

[gyrfalcon]

Something I shall add to as soon as I find something.

I think that is it in a nutshell.. there's only so far a thread can go without birds!

All quiet on Baddesley Common / Emer Bog this a.m.
No Crake, or Crake's footprints! on the exposed mud at the edge of Emer Bog either!
Plenty of Chiff-Chaffs and Blackcaps in the scrub at the Green Lane end.
Very little in the open areas.

[birder of the south]

Today I went for a quick walk around Acres Down searching for the Goshawks I have had recently. No such luck but heard a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker which was nice and a Tawny Owl.

[teamsaint]

Black-necked Grebe @ Fleet Pond

Roseate Tern, Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint @ Hill Head/Titchfield Haven

Spoonbill & Merlin @ Farlington

Black-necked Grebe off Southmoors + 3 Wheatears, 2 Whinchats & Spot Fly

Honey Buzzard over Chandler's Ford

2 Greenshank, 11 Green Sands, 4 Snipe, 3 Water Rail, 2 Whinchat & Garden Warb @ Lower Test

2 Garganey, Ruddy Shelduck, Black Tern, 4 Greenshank, 3 LRP, c30 Eider, Redstarts, Whinchats, Wheatears, Spot Flys, Yellow Wags, Hobby, Knots, 6 Tree Pipits, Garden Warbler in the Keyhaven-Normandy area.

not bad for a day really, and Peter - what was that about Bucks getting no waders?? ;)

[gyrfalcon]

Some good stuff.. I wonder if the weather continues in the same way, if there is a chance of one or two of the east coast rarities finding their way to the south coast? This is my first Autumn down here, so I've no idea how things work!
Read that most of the Passerines at Keyhaven had all cleared off by lunchtime.

North Bucks has it's moments occasionally. Typically once or twice a year when it comes to true rarities. Their last two rarities have both been Wilson's Phalaropes which is quite cruel!

[teamsaint]

Some good stuff.. I wonder if the weather continues in the same way, if there is a chance of one or two of the east coast rarities finding their way to the south coast? This is my first Autumn down here, so I've no idea how things work!
Read that most of the Passerines at Keyhaven had all cleared off by lunchtime.

North Bucks has it's moments occasionally. Typically once or twice a year when it comes to true rarities. Their last two rarities have both been Wilson's Phalaropes which is quite cruel!

we don't do too well for passerine rarities really, for example only 3 Pallas' Warblers (although we lost quite a few when Dorset nicked Christchurch Harbour)

[AC/DC]

Peter,
You need an early start if you want any chance of good passerines. The keyhaven redstarts were early.

I saw pretty much the same stuff:

Tree pipit
Wheatear
Whinchat
Knot
Yellow Wagtail
Hobby
Little Owl

Btw David, the yellow wag and hobby were on the lagoon you went on from. There were 2 yellow wag there, and then 4 more in the keyhaven car park!

did you get them?


Of course, wouldnt be right if there were no pics.. :t:

[teamsaint]

Would you mind telling me where the Little Owl was?
Thanks,
Tom

[teamsaint]

Goshawk reported from Emer Bog plus a Whinchat. seen by the same guy who found the Crake and had yesterday's Honey Buzzard. lucky or what?!?!

[AC/DC]

Lol some people have all the luck.

wryneck reported from keyhaven this afternoon, but not refound.

[AC/DC]

Osprey over beaulieu heath towards sowley. May be worth checking tanners lane or keyhaven tomorrow.

[wint]

Osprey over beaulieu heath towards sowley. May be worth checking tanners lane or keyhaven tomorrow.

Most years Osprey(s) commute between Sowley Pond and Needs Ore / Inchmery around now up to mid September.

[wint]

Lower Test 25/8 a.m.

Whinchats appeared to have moved on after a clear night.
On the scrapes/meres -
11 Green Sands
2 Greenshank
15 Little Egrets (the Mere)
2 Snipe

Water levels look good - shame it's not five miles down the river!

Hide is likely to be closed next weekend as the voluntary warden goes on holiday Saturday and the regular warden doesn't return until Wednesday week.

[John P]

wryneck reported from keyhaven this afternoon, but not refound.

It was at Pennington this morning, behind Butts Lagoon, the same place as reported yesterday, watched it for a good half hour.

Poor pic here (http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8238/img1979cjpgfilteredcx3.jpg)

[AC/DC]

Hi john, saw the bird about 7 times today!

And got the pics to prove it!
I first saw it at about 10:50, and saw it again a few minutes later. It then showed on brilliantly at 11:30 ish. A quick walk around the lagoons didnt really show much, tim.p and marc.m had a white + yellow wag, ruddy shelduck and hobby. I decided to go back and see the wryneck, which showed well on and off again.
It was still present at 2:40 when i left. It was flushed by a cow and flew into a bush. What a great bird!
A red necked phalarope and wryneck within 4 days...

I only have time for 1 pic, more later! :t:

[teamsaint]

great pic steve, i think i'm going to keyhaven tmr (but i'm not twitching coz id already planned to go before the wryneck was originally found;) )

[wint]

Lower Test 26/8

Popped in after a day's dragonfying and on the Mere were

Black-tailed Godwit 1
Wood Sandpiper 1 juv
Green Sandpiper 1
Water Rail 1 (twice) or 2 (once)

Wood Sand still there towards dusk (voluntary warden just phoned) so possibly worth an early scan on the way to the coast tomorrow.

Also a Whinchat under one of the pylons.

[AC/DC]

Good luck tom, pretty quiet wader wise, few black terns knocking about, garganey + ruddy shelduck on the balancing pond etc.

If you need to know where to find the wryneck or anything pm me.

I checked sowley earlier on, no osprey unfortunatley.

few more wryneck pics.

[teamsaint]

apparently I'm not going anymore because we "went to Keyhaven last time". But i should be able to stop at the Lower Test before I go into the New Forest

[AC/DC]

:-O I've heard that before!

Surely it would be better than the forest though, bit quiet atm?

[teamsaint]

:-O I've heard that before!

Surely it would be better than the forest though, bit quiet atm?

yeah but you try telling 2 parents, a sister, a grandpa and a grandpa's girlfriend that ;)

[AC/DC]

Lol unlucky....

[wint]

Good luck tom, pretty quiet wader wise, few black terns knocking about, garganey + ruddy shelduck on the balancing pond etc.

If you need to know where to find the wryneck or anything pm me.

I checked sowley earlier on, no osprey unfortunatley.

few more wryneck pics.

Nice pics, Steve. What's your camera setup?

[AC/DC]

cheers, paul. Canon 400d D-slr and Sigma 135-400mm

[teamsaint]

managed to see 4 Crossbills going over and a couple of Treecreepers in the New Forest. Stopped at Lower test on the way back but quite quiet, partly because of a Sparrowhawk flushing everything several times and partly because of loud music being played from the pub behind the reserve. Just 5-6 Green Sandpipers, 7 Little Egrets, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Redstart of note. Photos now added. I nearly got a decent shot of a Goldcrests but typically it moved just as I pressed the shutter. :eek!:

[AC/DC]

Nice. Seems that there was a small influx of wrynecks - one at needs ore today, and old basing yesterday, in addition to the pennington one.

[Deer Stalker]

Went for a walk around Sloden/Hampton Ridge area in the New Forest first thing this morning.
Usual stuff about including Redstarts, Crossbills, Firecrest, Dartfords & also a Wheatear on Hampton Ridge|:d|

[teamsaint]

added some piccies to yesterday's post. now im going to norfolk :king: :-O

[AC/DC]

Grrrr. You'll be laughing when a mega turns up at pennington. ;) Or even worse, it turns out that mystery emer bog bird was a black crowned night heron. Which leaves as soon as you return.:-O

Nice pics btw. What camera are you using?

Have a good trip :t:

[teamsaint]

Nice pics btw. What camera are you using?

a camera ;) . actually one second................. (goes to find camera). It's called a Canon 350D with a 70-300mm lens, so not as big as yours ;)

[AC/DC]

so not as big as yours ;)

Lol, coming from the boy with a swarovski scope!

Spoonbill @ titchfield still

[skatebirder]

Spotted Flycatcher on Southampton Common this morning. Also Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, lots of Goldcrests and Nuthatches, and a perched Tawny Owl. Still waiting for something a little rarer to turn up there.
David

[RoyCo]

We are down at Keyhaven via N/F at the weekend and just wondered what we should keep our eyes open for?

I have to admit that seeing a Wryneck would add one more tick to my "list"!

Many thanks for any input ...

[gyrfalcon]

Baddesley Common this evening:
Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Marsh Tit, Raven overhead, and a fairly large flock of:
Blue Tits, Great Tits, Long Tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Blackcap, Wilow Warbler and Chiff Chaff.
All in the Wooded / Scrubby area along the Western edge of the reserve.

[wint]

Lower Test 29/8

Black-tailed Godwit 1
Greenshank 3
Green Sandpiper 6
Common Sandpiper 8 (marsh at HT)
Yellow-legged Gull 48 (marsh at HT)
Wheatear 1 (Testwood Lake)
Spotted Flycatcher 1 LTM, 1 Nursling Mill

Lots of Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Long-tailed Tits moving.

The big tide has covered all the mud on the meres and the springs are all 4.7m until Sunday.