The party of fifteen assembled at RSBP Otmoor found themselves in bright and sunny conditions tempered by a brisk north-easterly. As usual the car park was awash with the song of warblers. Willow Warblers set the musical tone with the accompaniment of Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and a couple of scratchy Whitethroats. On the nearby entrance track the first of numerous Cetti’s Warblers shouted loudly while a Green Woodpecker browsed the grass in a meadow. By the feeders noisy Pheasants were gathered while Chaffinches, Great and Blue Tits, Dunnocks and Great Spotted Woodpecker feasted on the seeds. Curlews were ubiquitous usually displaying in pairs and uttering their haunting cries. Over the marsh a speedy Sparrowhawk was marauding while Red Kites drifted overhead and a Common Tern passed through. A handsome male Marsh Harrier coursing close by was much admired while close attention was given to a Muntjac browsing in the reeds; sadly it had obviously suffered a serious leg injury. A few Reed Warblers sang intermittently in the ditches and finally the first of a handful of Barn Swallows passed over. The wetland past the crossroads held limited numbers of waterfowl, chiefly Shovelers, Teal and Gadwall, while a Barnacle Goose and a juvenile Shelduck as well as an Oystercatcher were noted. Then three Common Cranes flew in along the tree line and put on a fine display until it was interrupted by the arrival of a Hobby that proceeded to practice its agile evasive manoeuvres through a squadron of unappreciative Lapwings. Meanwhile a Raven passed over, almost unnoticed amid the entertainment. Then it was on to the hide for lunch and views of the Reed Buntings and Linnets putting on their usual show. The Cranes landed and allowed further admiration while a Fallow Deer was noticed in their vicinity. Back at the crossroads a Sedge Warbler was intent on establishing a territory, singing vigorously and making numerous display flights. From the first viewpoint a few Common Pochards and a Great Crested Grebe further increased the sighting list. The second viewpoint offered the oddity of a leucistic male Pochard, mainly white in colour with a faintly orange head. In the adjacent field a pair of Brown Hares was stretched out on the grass. The return to the car park proved uneventful as the chill wind strengthened and forced the birds to hunker down.
Author: Tony Cummins
Tices Meadow 16 April 2023
The threat of rain did not deter a good attendance at this local walk though recent downpours made a change of route necessary. The fun began in the car park with the sight of a pair of Egyptian Geese accompanying several small goslings. Then as a persistent song thrush sang noisily there came just once the call of a Cuckoo, the first of Spring for everyone. After crossing a waterlogged Aldershot Park the group kept to the north side of the Blackwater. Wrens were in good voice and a Chiffchaff bounced around in a close tree giving fine views. Soon Blackcaps appeared, males chasing each other and no doubt laying claim to territories. A Cetti’s Warbler made its presence felt, the first of four heard but not seen. Other sightings on the approach to the site included a Long-tailed Tit, two Buzzards drifting by, wheezing Greenfinches, a Jay and several House Sparrows. From the Tices Mound the water could be seen to be very high while the numbers of birds present was unusually low. Two Common Terns were perched on posts and a few Sand Martins and a single Barn Swallow hawked over the water. Waterfowl included a few each of Shovelers, Gadwall, Teal and Mallards and rather more Tufted Ducks. A visit to the reedbeds delivered the song but not the sight of two Reed Warblers, a Reed Bunting and two more Cetti’s Warblers while a Little Egret prowled the edge of the stream. The group’s departure was delayed by the news of a newly arrived Wheatear necessitating a return to the Mound for distant but most acceptable telescope views. The walk ended with a tally of 51 species.
Isle of Sheppey 1 April 2023
The four members who met at the seawall in Leysdown in a cold wind and unsettled weather might, in the face of their collective belief that Sheppey always delivers, have done better to reflect that it was All Fools Day – but in the end were glad that they had not. Early seawatching produced sparse but good quality sightings. Two distant Great Northern Divers bobbed up on the surface, a Red-breasted Merganser flew by and a Gannet soared among the misty wind turbines. Further along a Red-throated diver streaked north on its spring migration while a Great Skua wove to and fro over the water. By the blockhouse the high tide roost consisted almost exclusively of Oystercatchers while small numbers of Turnstones and Ringed Plovers roamed the sand in the company of a few Sanderlings. Distantly small flocks of Dunlins and Grey Plovers occasionally took to the air while a group of perhaps eighty Curlews and four Avocets could be picked out on the edge of a reedbed. Marsh Harriers patrolled distantly until a male initiated a spectacular dispute with a Peregrine. The latter went on to play havoc with the waders before snatching a Meadow Pipit from the air for its elevenses. From there the group headed for Harty Ferry, birding en route. The streams held a variety of waterfowl including Teal, Shovelers, Shelducks and a couple of Tufted ducks. A Little Grebe was observed as was a Reed Bunting perched on a fence. At the raptor point a Barn Swallow was a surprise flyover while scanning identified two Red-legged Partridges, four Corn Buntings, three Snipe and a Wheatear. Raptors were in short supply apart from Marsh Harriers until the occupants of the last car to leave the location were fortunate in spotting a ringtail Hen Harrier. Three of the group then headed for Elmley NR following reports of a White-tailed Eagle. Sadly that bird had earlier left the reserve but consolation was soon found in sightings of a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher and two Penduline Tits, the latter allowing close views as they fed on seed heads near the reedbeds on the track past the old schoolhouse. The final treat was a confiding Brown Hare feeding just twenty yards from the track and quite indifferent to the presence of humans. Despite the conditions an outstanding day had been enjoyed with some spectacular sightings on a list of 64 species.
Frensham Little Pond 16 March 2023
Ten members assembled in the National Trust car park in surprisingly mild but windy conditions. Robins were immediately in good voice while a Great Spotted Woodpecker drummed close by and then flew into view. Wrens too rattled out their songs while couple of Greylag Geese sailed overhead. The water seemed to hold few birds but careful scanning revealed six Great Crested Grebes, two each of Mute Swan and Tufted Duck as well as a few Mallards, Coots and Black-headed Gulls. The woodlands around the lake revealed typical birds as much by sound as sight. Individual Blue and Great Tits flitted about and small flocks of Goldfinches and Long-tailed Tits foraged in the canopy. A Goldcrest bouncing in and out of view proved entertaining while a song thrush appeared on a perch. At the end of the lake the action picked up briefly as Coal Tits buzzed around in territorial disputes and a few Stock Doves moved among the conifers. At the start of the heath a pair of Stonechats was quickly identified, the first of three, while Skylarks ascended in melodious song and a Buzzard drifted in the distance. Along to the approach to Kings Ridge several Dunnocks burst into song and Dartford Warblers scratched out a note or two but disobligingly failed to offer any sort of view. A Grey Heron provided some amusement by behaving rather like a harrier, turning and banking over the heath. A pair of Red Kites proved to be the final sighting as activity on the descent was virtually zero. The walk was agreed to have offered a very welcome change from recent weather conditions with a respectable species list of 37.
Rainham Marshes 4 March 2023
The Saturday coach trip to Rainham proved very enjoyable despite the rather overcast skies and the current closure of parts of the site for repairs. The group of 32 attendees split itself spontaneously into two groups, which set off in opposite directions!
Ducks and geese were numerous (Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Shelduck, Pintail, Pochard, Tufted, Greylag, Canada) and waders seen included Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Curlew, Dunlin and Ruff. Large numbers of gulls were constantly passing overhead or ‘loafing’ on the river but no one found the reported Iceland Gull. Cetti’s Warblers were very vocal around the reserve and many enjoyed brief glimpses of this elusive bird. Other special sightings (seen by a lucky and observant few) included Water Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Peregrine, Redwing and Bearded Tit.
In total, an impressive 69 bird species were identified. Additionally the group took full advantage of the excellent on-site café!
Church Norton 21 February 2023
Ten members met at RSPB Pagham Harbour in initially cloudy conditions. The feeders outside the visitors centre were already busy with a gang of House Sparrows with a Greenfinch, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Great, Blue And Long-tailed Tits, a Dunnock and Robins competing to share the bounty. Towards the new hide a Goldcrest flitted around and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers were displaying to each other in a dead tree. At Ferry Pool there were groups of Avocets and Black-tailed Godwits feeding actively and Black-headed Gulls standing around. Wildfowl were represented by Wigeon, Teal, and Shovelers while a Buzzard was perched on a post in the field surveying the area.
The tide was almost fully in as the tramp along the path out to the sea began. The sound of Skylarks could be heard in the fields to the right, occasionally taking to the air. A Stonechat sat on top of some grasses. Some movement in the gorse bushes by the path drew attention to a small bird which after some scanning turned out to be an unexpected but elusive Dartford warbler. By the time a viewing point along a channel in the marsh was reached the sun had come out and the wonderful light was illuminating the assembled birds. Tufted Duck, Mallards, Coots, Little Grebes and Little Egrets were observed. Quite a few Curlew and Snipe were also flying around, the latter eventually providing good views of through telescopes. Further out on the open water there were large numbers of Shelduck and one or two Pintail. Occasional Redshank and Grey Plover were dotted around and a couple of Great Black-backed Gulls were evident in the distance.
At Church Norton there was a group of Mediterranean Gulls on the water in varying degrees of breeding plumage. Some smart Brent Geese bobbed around and out on the island were Cormorants and Oystercatchers. Huge numbers of Dunlin and Grey Plover were on the metalwork that jutted out of the water. Some Turnstones and Knots were also picked out while three Ringed Plover rested on the shingle. Lunch was accompanied by the spectacle of the masses of waders swirling in the air while further study of the waders revealed two Bar-tailed Godwits among them.
Continuation of the walk produced views of a Sparrowhawk perched on a wall. From the beach the initial sightings were of Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers. Trumping them were two Slavonian Grebes that offered excellent views despite the distance. Then even better another pair of birds came into view which were clearly Long-tailed Ducks, one particularly dark in colour probably an immature male.
On the return walk the receding tide afforded closer views of waders on the mud, allowing the differences between the Dunlin, Knot and Grey Plover to be picked out, while a Grey Wagtail was seen close to the new boardwalk. Back at the channel opposite the Ferry Pool splendid views were obtained of a Spotted Redshank that obligingly posed well in the afternoon sun, even standing in front of a common Redshank to allow comparison. A final bonus was a Green Sandpiper in the Ferry Pool bringing the total for the day to a splendid 65 species identified.
Wey Navigation 12 February 2023
Ten members took part in a stroll from Ripley Green to the weir and then along the towpath past John Donne’s summerhouse, now appropriately the haunt of house sparrows. A lovely Grey Wagtail appeared on the floating vegetation near the weir. Sadly though the sky was fairly overcast, turning many of the birds into dark silhouettes lacking colour and detail. Nevertheless the challenge was met with the identification of 35 species, the most numerous being Redwings. A fair number of tiny Goldcrests searching restlessly for food among the bare branches were also seen. The long-awaited restoration of the bridge across the river to the Wisley golf club encouraged a diversion from the customary route and allowed a viewing of a few somewhat unexpected waterbirds on the edge of the golf course, including Tufted Ducks, Cormorants and Egyptian Geese. The return past Ockham Mill concluded a most enjoyable walk, the sighting of a handsome singing Mistle Thrush in fine voice crowning the morning.
Hayling Island Oysterbeds 4 February 2023
Sixteen members assembled at the Ship Inn in sunny, still conditions for initial birding around the sea wall and at the heronry near the Mill. In the harbour were many waterfowl but limited numbers of waders mainly Black-tailed Godwits. Some Grey Herons and Little Egrets lounged behind the millpond while female Kingfisher preened and a Grey Wagtail consorted with a dozen feeding Moorhens.
Thanks to a misunderstanding about the meeting location a second party of six went directly to the Oysterbeds car park followed later by the larger group. There a Rock Pipit required the immediate attention of camera lenses. Many Brent Geese, Red-breasted Mergansers, Oystercatchers, Grey Plovers and Dunlin were in evidence; the swirling flocks of Dunlin were particularly impressive, changing from dark to light as they reversed direction of travel. Viewed also in smaller numbers were Curlews, Turnstones, Redshanks and Oystercatchers. Towards the Oysterbeds two foxes were encountered out on the spit one of which was later seen swimming. The first lagoon delivered two Mediterranean Gulls and a sleeping Greenshank. A Whimbrel was then picked up, scope views revealing that it was missing the tip of its upper mandible. A Great Cormorant provided huge entertainment by successfully swallowing some wriggling spaghetti that was an eel; the same bird had been seen swallowing an even larger eel on an earlier reconnaissance, obviously failing to realise that eels are a red-listed species! Two distant birds in flight were tentatively identified as Red-throated Divers.
After the walk past the various lagoons the old railway signal from the Hayling Billy train line provided a convenient point for a pause. From there there were views under the road bridge and across to the mainland. Calm conditions made viewing the wildfowl easier even though some were very distant. There were many Wigeon, Red-breasted Mergansers and Goldeneye on the water. The two Long-tailed ducks that had been reported on bird news services were also spotted though as they were in winter plumage their tails were not long. As an added bonus Black-necked Grebes were seen, albeit small birds at a great distance.
After consideration of the options for the afternoon, some voted for a visit to the Sabine’s Gull that was a ten minute drive away. The gull was very obliging (the nearest bird) and appealing both on the deck and in flight. The site also provided closer views of Long-tailed Ducks and Black-necked Grebes. A very pleasant day was had by all with a total of 50 species.
Farlington Marshes 22 February 2023
Despite recently low temperatures fourteen members were brave enough to attend the walk and were rewarded with a glorious day and excellent birding. Waders abounded around the site including Avocets, Oystercatchers, Turnstones, Curlew, Snipe, Dunlins, a probable Knot, Golden Plovers, Ringed Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwits (one in its summer plumage) and Redshanks. Waterfowl too were plentiful – Shelducks, Pintails,Mallards, Shovelers, Teal and Red-breasted Mergansers – while geese included Canada, Brent, five White-fronted and a single Barnacle. Both Little and Great-crested Grebes were spotted. Songbirds too were shining in the sun, among them Wrens, Reed Buntings, Cetti’s Warbler, Robins, Blackbirds, Goldfinches, Redwings and Meadow Pipits. Raptors were a highlight of the day with sightings of a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, two Kestrels and three Marsh Harriers. At the end of the walk a few members set off on a quest and were delighted to have views of two Short-eared Owls both on the ground and in flight. Other sightings included Grey Herons, Little Egrets and a Raven. Yet again Farlington managed to deliver splendid birding with 47 species identified.
Horsell Common 12 January 2023
Four hardy souls joined a damp walk around Horsell Common (more accurately water meadows). Luckily the worst of the rain held off, with just intermittent drizzle.
The wetland area was quiet, with only Canada Geese, a couple of Cormorants and a single Moorhen. The meadows each side of the Bourne were semi-flooded, with large flocks of Black-Headed Gulls, more Canada Geese, a pair of Egyptian Geese, a pair of Mute Swans and Mallards on the water. There were also plenty of Jackdaws, Carrion Crows and Magpies in the fields, along with numerous Wood Pigeons and a few Starlings. A nice surprise was an active feeding flock of around 20 Pied Wagtails. The hedgerows held a number of Robins, Wrens, Blue Tits, Great Tits in good voice, and a flock of Long-tailed Tits. Thrushes were represented by a nice flock of Redwings, a single Fieldfare high in a tree, and a Song Thrush heard but not seen.
Due to the damp, blustery conditions and the amount of standing water, the open heathland was omitted from the itinerary in favour of the mixed woodland and adjacent grazing. Several more Redwings were active in the trees, and a flock was foraging in the horse fields, accompanied by a briefly seen Mistle Thrush. A Blackbird and Jay added to the thrush and corvid count and there were more mixed groups of tits including a single Coal Tit, accompanied by a Goldcrest. A Red Kite over the car park completed a quiet but pleasant walk and a species count of 28.