CWP

Feb 28 - A morning look around the Water Park with Heather. A bit drizzly but quite a good species haul - 4 Smew in flight, 3 Goosander, 2 Goldeneye, a drake Pintail and 30+ Shoveler amongst the duck - 100+ Golden Plover over at Shorncote together with at least 4 singing Cetti's warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs and singing Reed Buntings and Skylark - the Little Owl still at South Cerney in its usual tree.

South Coast morning...........

Feb 27 - a very productive morning on the south coast en route to visit family. First of all I had very good views of the drake Surf Scoter that is currently in Stokes Bay. A striking bird, and a good comparison with 2 accompanying Common Scoter - a larger bird, with string multicoloured bill and white patches on head. Lovely low sunlight on the bird, and a flat sea.

A few miles away, 8 Purple Sandpipers were roosting on the rocks at Southsea Castle, charismatic dumpy waders and always good to see. Hayling was at fairly low tide, Curlew, Redshank, Dunlin, Grey Plover and both Godwits all present. The harbour held 3 Black-necked Grebes and good numbers of Mergansers.

The highlight of the morning was the stunning views of Med Gulls getting into summer plumage. At least 55 birds present, calling and displaying on the Oyster Beds, and also in flight when the mewing call was very distinctive. Really beautiful birds with the jet black hoods and white primaries. My favourite European Gull alongside Audouin's. A privilege to see them at such close quarters. Year list now 139.

A late afternoon stroll with family at Hindhead common gave some nice scenic views, and a sunset - it looks good for heathland birds in the spring but nothing seen today.

Garden visitors.......

Feb 23 - The regular pair of Long-tailed Tits still visiting the garden daily, and especially liking the suet feeder. Also my Robin is now singing especially early mornings, an integral part of the dawn chorus.

Shorncote revisited.......

Feb 22 - A morning visit before the rain. Water levels have dropped, but 150+ Wigeon present along with 30+ Teal, 6 Gadwalls and a pair of Shoveler. I finally saw one of the mythical Shorncote Water Rails briefly in the open.....and heard several more. A large flock of 250+ Lapwings passed over, a Green Sandpiper was on the stream and a Snipe called. A taste of spring despite the temperatures with Skylark, Song Thrush and 3 Reed Buntings singing, along with 3 Cetti's Warblers. 2 Chiffchaffs along the stream but no sign of the wintering Siberian Chiffchaff, nor of the Grey Wagtail or Stonechat. A flock of 150+ Fieldfares/Redwings around the playing fields, and the Little Owl in the usual pollarded willow. A stop at pit 74 gateway on the way home produced a count of 35 Shoveler and 6 Pintail (4 drakes) on the scrape, as the forecast rain started.

Short-eared Owl spectacular.........

Feb 21 - Really stunning views late afternoon of up to 4 Short-eared Owls at Hawling, with perfect light for photography, low winter sun highlighting the birds against the shower clouds. A memorable experience, with the birds hunting, hovering, sparring and perched. Quite a few photographers present. Also seen 100+ Golden Plover with 150+ Lapwing in flight.