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| A discussion!
© Richard Smith
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Despite the
unwelcome presence of Storm Caroline, Geoff and Sue with 11 others set off from
Calshot waterfront in steady rain which fortunately dried up after about 40
minutes.
This was a
walk where the industry of the decommissioned Fawley power station meets the
salt marsh of Calshot Marshes Nature Reserve. The small area of reedbed yielded
little but a small group of waxcap toadstools was spotted on the field
alongside the power station amid the young Holm Oaks where a charm of Goldfinch
were also found.
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| Great Crested Grebe
© Richard Smith
|
By the time
we reached the saltmarsh the rain was easing and there were plenty of birds in
evidence including Great Crested Grebe, Pintail, Shoveler, Brent Geese and Ovstercatchers. The
footbridge, which was subject to temporary closure causing the relocation of
the walk, was in fact open and we crossed a short way towards Ashlett Creek for
our refreshment stop. Sightings on this side of the bridge were Cormorant, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and a solitary
Dunlin.
Returning
towards Calshot Spit we left the footpath to walk along the shingle bank where
Geoff collected a good selection of mollusc shells both bivalve (Oyster,
Mussell, Cockle and the alien Manila Clam) and gastropods (Periwinkle, Dog Whelk,
Limpet and Slipper Limpet – another alien species). In the water, Shelduck,
Wigeon and Teal were seen with a large roost of Oystercatcher in the distance
and a few were treated to a brief sighting of a Kingfisher.
On the
landward side were Linnet, Fieldfare, Redwing and Reed Bunting. On reaching the
sea, we diverted along the Spit and were rewarded with a view of a large group
of Ringed Plover (c40) and Dunlin (100+) hunkered down out of the wind. A few
Turnstone were also spotted on the return stretch with more Redwing and
Fieldfare in the adjoining field.
In the end
we had a very satisfying walk, certainly far better than anticipated at 10 o’clock! G&S
