Tuesday 16th February Blashford Lakes

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.