I suppose I'd better sumerise the birding from the last week or so. I can't seem to get to a computer at the moment and need to do this quickly.
Today at Blashford Lakes Hants Wildlife Trust Reserve - New for the year - bramblings, about 50 of them, mostly very close from a hide - Woodland Hide - with many siskins and lesser redpolls just as close on the many feeders here.
Green sandpipers - one on Ivy Lake and another seen on the Ibsley meadows with 12 bewicks.
Common scoter - a lovely adult. Quite a surprise bird.
Great white egret - found it half a mile or so north of Harbridge. Knew of a back road to Fordingbridge and of some flooded meadows along it. Went down a grassy track accessing the area and there it was with 2 litttle egrets and a grey heron. Soon took off in the direction of Blashford Lakes. Phoned it in to Birdguides.
So the 4 new birds today leave me on 138.
Yesterday it took me 4 hours to find the great grey shrike at Homesley Paddock. Also had dartford warbler there.
Weekend had been a privilidge; having been spent in the company of the wonderfully enthusiastic and knowledgable Daphne and Mike. Also with Caroline, Elaine [thanks for pointing out Avon Heath!!!] and Chris. More details later but sincere thanks to all. So water pipit, 2 at Brading Marsh, and greenshank with fulmar near St Catherine's Head.
Hi Gary,
ReplyDeleteNice to see the year list going well. So it's costing me £13.80 so far ... but I feel it's going to be nearer £50 by the time you've finished! Got a few goodies in there too. I must sort out more time to get out in the field, my year list is pathetic at the moment; seems to be too much to do in other areas over the last couple of weeks. Like the look of your last week in Feb and into March - a few places I'm familiar with and they should give you a few more for the list. Keep it going. Cheers Mike
Thanks Mike. Hope to empty your pocket some more in the coming weeks. I think shag will be the next bird, maybe an eider or velvet scoter. All the best to the Upton lads.
ReplyDeleteA jammy Scoter there, I have now missed three on the reserve since I started working there near four years ago. They always turn up on my day off. Good luck with the trip and sorry I missed your visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robert. I know how you feel. Everyone seems to have seen red kite at my local patch - Upton Warren in Worcestershire, except me. You've got a wonderful reserve and so imrpoved since I used to visit 6 years ago. Brilliant.
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