20 Jan - it's difficult to resist going out in such lovely weather, and I won't have time to go far the next few days, so a trip to Hampshire timed for the rising tide, and an excellent selection of waders and other goodies. The Purple Sandpipers at Southsea Castle did a couple of flybys, but did not land - nearby Farlington by the A27 has a wintering flock of Avocets which today numbered exactly 50, and others specialities on a quick scan included Grey and Ringed Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwits and hundreds of Brent Geese. I'd never been to Emaworth before, but had read about the Spotted Redshank that has wintered here for at least 8 years and is very confiding - and it was this afternoon, feeding at close range in the stream, with a (colour-ringed) Greenshank for company.
Hayling bridge area and the oyster beds were excellent as usual, with 2 adult winter Med Gulls among the black-headeds, and close views of large numbers of waders including Turnstones, and Red-breasted Mergansers were feeding in the deeper water, accompanied by 2 dumpy Black=necked Grebes. At dusk the large noisy flocks of Brent Geese flying to roost were an impressive spectacle,and a hovering Kingfisher in one of the creeks was a last highlight,.. A very enjoyable and productive afternoon, and door-to-door motorway/dual carriageway makes it a very accessible area, especially on such a beautiful afternoon, with clear low winter sunlight accentuating the magical atmosphere of flocks of birds among the creeks and mudflats. Very therapeutic.
En route mid morning, a quick look at CWP pits 29/30 confirmed the return of the Smew with the onset of the recent cold weather........ a drake and 4 redheads seen, wary as usual, but always special to see.
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