On a cool,
overcast morning, ten of us gathered for the morning sailing from Lymington to
Yarmouth. As we departed, we spotted large numbers of Canada Geese on the
Lymington marshes, with a single Barnacle Goose amongst them. Shelduck, and
most gull species were seen at the low tide mark along with Common and Little
Tern flying past as we crossed the Solent.
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| Cinnabar caterpillars on Common Ragwort © Chris Robinson |
Near
Yarmouth, we watched a pair of Rooks digging for grubs on the verge by the
terminal. As we approached the railway track the botanists amongst us
identified Bristly Ox-tongue, Common Orache, Prickly Lettuce, Marsh and Common
Mallow, Fennel, Common Sea-lavender as well as Creeping, Marsh and Spear
Thistles. Cinnabar moth caterpillars were feeding on a Common Ragwort plant, but
not on the any others we passed on the walk. We paused to look over the reed
bed next to Mill Copse and heard a Reed Warbler as a Swift flew overhead.
Alongside the railway track Brambles were in flower but only a few Gatekeeper
were about in the cooler part of the day.
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| Mating Gatekeepers © Chris Robinson |
Further
along towards the Causeway we had good views of a Marsh Harrier, a few Curlew,
Grey Heron, Mediterranean Gull and Redshank fed at the edge of the estuary.
Wren and Chiffchaff were heard amongst the scrub and a Skylark flew overhead.
Beside the track, Meadwsweet, Wild Madder, Hemp Agrimony, Wild Carrot and Red
Currant were seen. At the causeway bridge crossing the Yar, Mute Swan, numerous
Coot and a single Greylag Goose had gathered.
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| Greylag Goose © Chris Robinson |
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| Redshank and Curlew © Richard Smith |
We elected
for an early lunch stop at the End of the Line Cafe, sat outside in the sun,
and as the day warmed, saw more butterfly amongst the grasses and wild flowers
around the perimeter; Meadow Brown, Marbled White, and Small Skipper all
appeared.
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| Small Skipper © Chris Robinson |
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| Marbled White © Chris Robinson |
After
lunch, a brief foray around the Afton Marsh Reserve gave views of a Jay, and
Moorhen and Mallard ducklings paddled in the stream running around the reserve.
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| Jay © Chris Robinson |
Returning
through the churchyard at Freshwater and across the fields beyond Kings Manor
Farm, the sun came out and as the day got even hotter, large numbers of
butterfly were seen with Gatekeeper, Painted Lady, Common Blue and Peacock all
added to our list. Passing through Saltern Wood, an active and noisy colony of
wild Honey Bees were seen in a tree close beside the path and observed from a
respectful distance.
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| Wild Honey Bees © Chris Robinson |
A brisk
final walk across the swing bridge allowed us to catch the planned afternoon
sailing and it was good to end a warm day sitting in the sea breeze to cool off
as we sailed back home after a total walk distance of about 5.5 miles. RS
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Our route
© Crown copyright 2022 Ordnance Survey. Media 005/22.
The licence is valid until 31 December 2022. |
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