Hampshire coast

12 Dec - An appointment in Southampton gave the opportunity for a visit to the Hampshire coast. An early arrival at Southsea and the sun was out and the high tide turning, and excellent views of 10 Purple Sandpipers, initially roosting then starting to feed on the rocks - one of my favourite waders, subtle grey plumage and orange bill, usually quite confiding, and a high Arctic breeder that adds to its cachet. An unseasonal Sandwich Tern flyby was a surprise. The waters and mudflats around Hayling Island was productive as always - Red-breasted Mergansers in the channel together with a distant Black-necked Grebe, and a selection of waders including Grey Plovers feeding with their typical deliberate action. A brief look at Farlington from the A27 layby confirmed that the wintering Avocet flock had returned.