The weather was bright, but the wind was blustery and strong. The tide was high, and the recent rains meant that many of the lagoons were very full. This combi- nation meant that small birds were scarce and most waders had moved to more suitable parts (Normandy?).
From the meeting point we could see a pair of Marsh Harriers over the Avon Water reed beds. There were few birds on the harbour, a couple of Cormorants on the boats and the odd gull.
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| Marsh Harriers at Keyhaven © Chris Robinson |
Along the sea wall we saw, (and heard), a Curlew but as there was no mud there were very few waders on the Solent side. On Keyhaven lagoon there were Shelducks, a pair of Wigeon, some Lapwings standing in the shallows and a Grey Heron! As we walked along a Kestrel showed nicely and some people saw a Merlin flying over the saltmarsh.
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| Canada Geese with hybrid on Fishtail Lagoon © Richard Smith |
Fishtail Lagoon was covered with Canada Geese, one
Greylag, several Brents and a good selection of winter ducks (Teal, Wigeon,
Shoveler and Pintail). Small groups of Redshanks and Black-tailed Godwits were
standing around.
Butts Lagoon was almost empty of birds, as were the next couple of lagoons and the Shoveler Pools, save for Canada geese, a few ducks and some Little Egrets. A Buzzard flew over.
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| Golden Plover in flight © Chris Robinson |
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| Ruff © Richard Smith |
As we walked down to the Ancient Highway a flock of
Golden Plover flew over, probably disturbed by the Chinook helicopter flying
down the coast. As we turned the corner the usual gulls were on Efford Lake with a group of Oystercatchers on the bank. On the other side of the road
there was a solitary female Ruff giving us good views. A Red Admiral and both
male and female Common Darter dragonflies were seen. As we got back to the cars
the Merlin reappeared, being seen off by two Carrion Crows. CR
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| Common Darter - male © Chris Robinson |