Twenty people enjoyed the group’s traditional New Year walk, taking advantage of a break in the weather to enjoy some watery sunshine. The towpath was muddy but passable, enabling us to take in the river and nature reserve. The start was slow, with several Robins and numerous Blue Tits, joined after a while by Great Tits, some singing, an active flock of Long-tailed Tits and some noisy Wrens. Nearer Stoke Lock we had good views of an obliging Goldcrest, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Nuthatch across the river. Sadly no Siskins were present but some Redwings were actively feeding on ivy berries. A small flock of Teal showed well in the flooded reed beds, and a highlight was excellent views of a Kingfisher near the outfalls below the lock. A Grey Heron and Moorhen were seen in the wetlands adjacent to the lock and a Pied Wagtail near the lock. On our return the lake was not very productive, with very few gulls (although one Black-headed Gull was almost in breeding plumage), several Tufted ducks, Mallards and a single Great Crested Grebe. The total for the day was a moderate but pleasing 32.
Author: Tony Cummins
Hayling Island 16 December 2023
Nine members met at the Ship Inn car park under overcast skies. The tide was out and the harbour mud was fully exposed. Lots of waders (Dunlin, Redshank, Grey Plover, Curlew, Greenshank, Lapwing and Oystercatcher) and several small gaggles of Brent Geese were taking full advantage. Along the water’s edge, there were plenty of Shelduck, Teal and a few Wigeon. Further out, there were Red-breasted Mergansers and Goldeneye. The Mill Pond held its usual selection of ducks and waterfowl (plus large numbers of Coots & Moorhens). The field at the end was flooded, and a few minutes were spent enjoying close-up views of a Green Woodpecker and of a displaying male Teal.
At the oyster-beds the incoming tide meant that hundreds of Dunlin, Grey Plovers and Oystercatchers were already jostling for space on the remaining dry land-spits. At the first lagoon, a real treat was provided by excellent views of a Long-tailed Duck – quite a little poser! The usual Little Grebes and Mergansers were slightly put in the shade by this star sighting. Several Rock Pipits generously posed for photos, but the real show-stealer was a Great Northern Diver out on the open water. While lunch was eaten in a spot sheltered from the cool breeze a Marsh Harrier flew over, causing mass panic among the vast flocks of roosting birds, which were now realised to contained a solitary Avocet and a few Turnstones. By now, a light drizzle was causing problems and a halt was called. The tally for the walk was 47 avian species plus one Common Seal.
Isle of Sheppey 10 December 2023
Three hardy souls braved the elements for the walk. At the meeting point a Green Woodpecker landed in the field behind, whilst assorted Turnstones, Sanderlings and Oystercatchers industriously ran around on the shoreline. Lapwings could be seen in adjacent fields. Each post on the groynes seemed to have an obligatory Redshank or Grey Plover sitting on top. There were Cormorants, Shelduck, Herring Gulls, Black Headed Gulls and some Great Crested Grebes, as well as a lone Great Black Backed Gull, further out to sea. At this stage the weather was calm and dry.
After a short drive to a parking spot nearer to the Swale Nature Reserve the walk resumed down the track. A splendid sight of around 350 Brent Geese and 24 Curlew was waiting in a nearby field. Large groups of Starling swirled around. A further look at the sea revealed a large number of Common Gull bobbing on the water. A pair of Pied Wagtail flitted around on the sea wall followed by a brief glimpse of a Short Eared Owl hunting over some grassland and a flypast from a couple of Little Egret over the marsh. A pair of Stonechat could be seen in the roadside foliage. Meadow Pipits could also be heard.
Towards Shellness beach a male Kestrel was surveying for prey from his telegraph pole vantage point. Along the naturist beach was a large raft of Mallard on the water and three Mute Swans. A single Ringed Plover was spotted amongst the Turnstones here while at the concrete bunker large numbers of Dunlin, Grey Plovers and Oystercatchers were assembled on the shoreline. A distant Marsh Harrier drifted low over the land. The weather forecast was by this time living up to its predictions as grey clouds and a few spots of rain appeared prompting a return to the car, whereupon a Peregrine raced through chasing huge clouds of waders that had suddenly taken to the air.
En route to the RSPB Capel Fleet Raptor viewpoint for lunch, the opportunity was taken to stop off along the road at a small lake full of ducks including Teal, Wigeon, and more Mallards. Two Corn Buntings alighted on some telegraph wires while good views were had of around six Marsh Harriers at the viewpoint. At that point the wind became stronger and the rain started in earnest, bringing the walk to an end. A total of 37 species were identified for the trip, some in very large numbers.
Barn Elms 25 November 2023
The run of dismal weather came to a welcome end with a bright, still but very cold morning that enticed no less than eighteen members to attend the walk at the WWT flagship reserve. Several screeching Ring-necked Parakeets adorned perches around the entrance yard while the feral pigeons seemed more numerous than ever. The south path produced a perched Kestrel and a female Reed Bunting. First stop at the Dulverton hide quickly brought views of a Bittern sunning itself in the reeds at the far side of the lake. On the water were plenty of Gadwall, Shovelers and Tufted Ducks. Among them were spotted a female Goldeneye, a couple of Pochard and a Great Crested Grebe. A few Egyptian Geese flew in to complement the numerous Canada Geese. The feeders proved to be under-used with just a few Great and Blue Tits and Robins visiting them. The woodlands were similarly underpopulated with none of the usual finch flocks but the explanation soon came apparent when a female Sparrowhawk streaked past. The scrape hide offered two Grey Herons posing beautifully in the clear light while the lack of Teal was rectified by a small snoozing flock. A Wren bounced around the reeds in front of the hide while a very distant pipit caused some head-scratching about its identity. Meanwhile an eagle-eyed member had focused on a closer bird that was much more easily identified as a Water Pipit. From the Peacock Tower a second Bittern was glimpsed by some in a brief flight towards the Wildside Hide. Small numbers of Wigeon grazed on the marsh but a Snipe provided the main entertainment as it played hide-and-seek with its admirers among the reeds. After lunch the Wildside beckoned and proved to be productive. The usual array of Black-headed and Herring Gulls was supplemented by singles of Common and Lesser Black-backed Gull. Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Stonechat and Greenfinch were found. The rarest of wonders, a visible Cetti’s Warbler, was also seen while the cast was completed by a Stock Dove and a Green Woodpecker. The final sighting list of 48 was no more than the group deserved after the seemingly endless weather travails of the autumn walks programme.
West Wittering 19 November 2023
The autumn theme of weather-affected walks continued with a vengeance for the ten members who assembled at East Head. The threatened showers largely failed to materialised and the morning was bright but gales were howling in from the south-west. The initial route took advantage of the shelter afforded by the dunes. On the salt marsh small groups of Brent Geese were assembled with Lapwings dotted among them. Among them were also the odd Curlew and Redshank. Small birds were few and far between but eventually a small flock of Meadow Pipits was seen foraging among the grass, a Reed Bunting perched and a pair of Stonechats landed ahead on the path. At the inner harbour birds appeared in much greater numbers, the most obvious species being Oystercatchers scattered on every part of the shore. A flock of Dunlin flew to new feeding grounds and a Little Egret followed them. A few more Grey Plovers appeared and among them a single Golden Plover was identified. Out on the water a Great Crested Grebe and a Cormorant were diving while on the shore two Sanderlings shone beautifully in the sun. A distant Sandwich Tern was also spotted patrolling distantly. To avoid walking head on into the wind along the beach the decision was taken to retrace steps to the car park; for the most part the shelter of the dunes held up but at points unpleasant sandblasting could not be avoided. After lunch the walk continued along the path on the east side of the marsh towards the wetlands. Early sightings included two Ravens, some Rooks, two Shelducks, a Little Grebe and, as the channels filled on the rising tide, some Black-tailed Godwits and a Turnstone. A large flock of over one hundred Golden Plovers settled on the sand for a while before departing. The more distant ponds held a substantial number of Wigeon accompanied by several dozen Teal and a few Mallards plus some Common Gulls and one Mediterranean Gull but the star attractions were twenty Avocets sweeping the water. On a testing day species seen totalled a satisfactory 38.
Horsell Common 9 November 2023
After recent turbulent weather and an overnight downpour a bright morning and surprisingly good underfoot conditions greeted the five members who gathered at Heather Farm. The first stop overlooking the pig farm produced a Grey Heron and six Egyptian Geese. On the fence were both a Grey and a Pied Wagtail while Carrion Crows, Magpies and Woodpigeons flew around the treetops. From there birds were initially few with just the calls of Robins, glimpses of Goldfinches, a nicely perched Wren and a flypast of several Canada Geese providing interest. Towards the bridge to the Island activity increased. Three Song Thrushes showed devotion to one bush as they devoured sloes. Blue Tits and Long-tailed Tits were gleaning in the trees while a couple of Chaffinches muttered out of sight and a Great Spotted Woodpecker perched atop a tree. Just over the bridge was a big flock of Black-headed Gulls, perhaps 150, with a few Common Gulls among them. Twenty five Lapwings were also present. The next port of call was the western end of the heath but the visit yielded just a few calls from an invisible Dartford Warbler and a passing Green Woodpecker. McLarens meadow was more productive. There six Redwings and a single Skylark settled into the grass where they were soon joined by two Meadow Pipits. A Stock Dove also flew around. Then it was back to the heath where the main point of interest was a pair of Roe Deer. Near the members’ car park the absence of raptors was rectified by a gliding Common Buzzard and two dashing falcons, a Peregrine and a Kestrel. The woodlands delivered some final treats, the buzzing call of a Treecreeper, a bouncy Goldcrest and the repeated call of a nearby Tawny Owl. Back at Heather Farm the final additions to the morning’s tally were a Nuthatch, a Coot and Cormorant. An enjoyable walk in unexpectedly fine weather concluded with a sightings list of 43.
Sheepleas 19 October 2023
The annual fungi walk initially looked as though it would be continuing the autumn trend of rain-reduced events. However on a very gloomy morning a two hour reprieve from the precipitation unexpectedly greeted the nine members who ventured into the woodlands. There no less than 35 species of fungus were waiting to be found though as a result of the prolonged period of wet weather their colouration was not as bright as might be expected. Old favourites such as fly algaric, turkey tail, saffrondrop bonnet and magpie inkcap were present though perhaps in reduced numbers. Other species caught the imagination for their appealing names, blushing bracket, velvet shield, burgundydrop, jelly ear, bleeding broadleaf, wrinkled crust, deceiving bolete and fiery milkcap being excellent examples. Others gave a clue to their edibility with appellations such as poison pie and funeral bell. The resumption of the rain coincided with the return to the car park where all agreed that the two-hour circular walk had been time very well spent.
Titchfield Haven 29 October 2023
Twelve soon to be bedraggled souls met in the Yacht Club car park defying the dire forecast. Despite the optimism engendered by a few all too brief dry periods the theme of the day was heavy downpour alleviated from time to time by steady rain. The plan for the day was mainly shelter in the hides starting on the west side of the river. En route the viewpoint over the head of the river revealed only a few birds the most notable being a single Common Gull among the Cormorants and Coots. Further along the road a few waders were spotted sheltering behind groynes on the shingle, three each of Redshank, Turnstone and Sanderling but the sea was empty of bird life. From the Meon Shore hide an excellent array of waterfowl and waders were in view. Sixteen Snipe were the highlight showing their elegant plumage to advantage in the gloomy light and later their skills in flight. Oystercatchers were roosting in abundance in the company of a fair few Lapwings and a handful of Redshanks. Teal too were numerous with a scattering of Mallards, Shovelers, Moorhens and just one Shelduck. The next port of call was the Spurgin hide, taking advantage of a pause in the precipitation – as did a number of songbirds including Robins, a Blue Tit and a Chiffchaff. From the hide two Cetti’s Warblers made their presence felt while a large flock of Starlings could be seen perched atop a large tree. A female-type Marsh Harrier soon appeared flushing ducks and waders over a large area on its patrol. A Grey Heron and some Canada Geese were spotted distantly but the pools in front of the hide remained deserted. The return to the car park was marked by the discovery of a young and rather cold slow worm on the path and happily coincided with the driest part of the day. Back at the beach a patch of snow marked a tightly packed flock of over forty Sanderlings. Immediately after the local Merlin streaked from the visitors’ centre across the river and perched for distant viewing. Meanwhile a male Marsh Harrier decided to put on a show, roaming over the reeds and displaying its handsome plumage with a rainbow as the backdrop. Reality soon reasserted itself as the group was then imprisoned in their cars by drenching rain with just lunch for comfort. After that the Knights Bank hide became the destination. From there there was much to see on an area much more heavily flooded than usual. Large numbers of Gadwall, Mallards and Teal circulated with a few Wigeon. The Canada Geese flocked increased while a few Egyptian Geese were also seen. The gull flock included both Lesser and Great Black-backed Gulls. The most striking sight came from perhaps a hundred Black-tailed Godwits feeding on the banks in the company of a good number of Lapwings. Both Marsh Harriers reappeared, one feeding on the meadow while the other discouraged a Common Buzzard from approaching. Sadly the three Glossy Ibis reported earlier in the day did not appear but despite the group’s travails it was accounted a successful walk with a list of 47 species.
Moor Green Lakes 14 October 2023
Thirteen of us met in the car park on what turned out to be the first chilly morning of the autumn. The bird feeders had been removed from the car park and so it was very quiet waiting to start the walk. The paddock was similarly empty of any birdlife. As soon as we were underway however, we began to see mixed flocks of Blue Tit, great Tit and Long Tailed Tit busily feeding in the trees. Approaching the lakes there was a mixture of Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Teal, numerous Coot and a single Moorhen out on the water and the islands. Two Mute swans with six fully grown cygnets could be seen.
Turning onto the path beside the Blackwater river to the new workings the recently constructed pathways could be observed, which will eventually be a real addition to the reserve. The various pools along this path contained a Common Sandpiper and a mixture of Black headed Gulls, Canada Geese, Egyptian Geese and Lapwing. There were four Little Grebe here all diving continuously. Eventually we managed to pick out a Snipe and a group of Pochard as well.
More small birds were observed moving through the trees by the path and amongst the Blue Tits were a Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest. A Nuthatch could be heard but frustrated us by keeping out of view. Moving further along to Finch Pond and Finch Field the group of Barnacle Geese were grazing in the grass. A single Stonechat was observed and there was a Kestrel perched in a dead tree. As we were watching it a Red Kite appeared and landed in the same tree affording splendid views and creating some panic amongst the nearby Woodpigeons. 
Retracing our steps the Kestrel could be seen being mobbed by some Carrion Crows. A group of Skylark could be heard and were seen flying over. A grey Wagtail was then spotted showing off it’s yellow colouration in a puddle by the path. After a quick coffee break the walk towards Grove Lake was very quiet and did not add any new bird species to our list. Having found the right tree that the Tawny Owls have been seen roosting in, we quickly established that they were not at home on this occasion. By the time we returned to the car park the sunshine was providing welcome warmth. We were very content with a total of 40 species seen and 3 heard for the morning.
Church Norton 7 October 2023
Sunny weather with a slight breeze greeted the eleven members assembled in the car park at the visitors centre of RSBP Pagham Harbour. The feeders there were well populated with their usual customers, Blue and Great Tits, Chaffinches, a Greenfinch and numerous House Sparrows. A flock of some thirty Goldfinches also flew by. The path to the Ferry Pool was populated by Chiffchaffs and Robins though they were more heard than seen while the sight of a Sparrowhawk passing overhead was a treat. The Pool itself held good numbers of Teal, Shovelers, Lapwings and Black-tailed Godwits but no surprises. Scanning of the fields beyond disclosed a handful of Rooks and a perched Buzzard. The muddy banks at the head of the Long Pool produced an early highlight; on the left bank a Whimbrel was wandering out of the water while perched on the right was a Kingfisher that dived into the stream several times. The walk down the Long Pool was quiet. Two pairs of Stonechats were encountered, a small small flock of Linnets appeared over the ploughed meadow while a couple of Yellowhammers came up the channel and perched for viewing. A group of Red-legged Partridges caused some initial excitement until later sight of the large number of birds around a release pen made clear that their presence was not natural. At the end of the Long Pool the sole Wigeon of the day flew inland while a few new waders could be viewed, some distantly. They included Oystercatchers, Grey Plovers, Curlews and the first of many Redshanks to be seen. Around the bend a noisy Raven appeared while three more Buzzards circled and a Kestrel was glimpsed. Toward Church Norton further scanning disclosed a Shelduck and three Pintails while in close attendance were some Dunlin, a flock of over 150 Golden Plovers and seven Curlew Sandpipers identified after considerable thought and debate. The meadow behind the Church Norton hide produced a few warblers, Chiffchaffs and a beautifully yellow Willow Warbler that considerately perched on the fence wire. A few Long-tailed Tits also passed by. The harbour mud at low tide hosted a smallish number but a broad variety of waders. Besides species already seen there were a couple of Ringed Plovers, a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank. Distantly seen were also a Great-crested Grebe and a Great Black-backed Gull. Following unproductive visits to the sea and the churchyard the return journey was consistently quiet with new sightings limited to a Little Grebe and two Grey Herons in flight. An excellent day’s birding concluded with a sightings list of an impressive 67.