With a birding day planned for the 9th for Matt and I it was just a case of where to go. Not fancying a really long day and with no real goodies reported we plumped for the New Forest and maybe a look at the coast close by. On Friday evening we both noticed a report of a Hooded Crow near to Cosham in Hampshire so a change of destination wa decided on. Picking Matt up at 05.00 we headed south on a cross country route hoping to see an Owl or two. On the edge of Salisbury Plain we caught a fleeting glimpse of what we think was a Short-eared Owl as it crossed the road ahead of us. Unfortunately right on the edge of headlight range so it will remain a maybe. A little further on another fleeting glimpse could perhaps have been a Woodcock. Arriving in the area in good time and with no early report of the crow we started with a walk at Farlington Marshes. As always plenty of interest here despite the tide being right out. Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank (1st year tick of the day), Avocet, Blackwit, and Lapwing were the waders seen and on the wildfowl front, along with the usual species were a good number of Brent Geese along with coming on a hundred Pintail. A Marsh Harrier was hunting in the distance making the most of the strong wind, several Cetti’s were heard as was a Chiff-chaff. A couple of Med Gulls were amongst the five species noted and a single Great White was around along with several Littles. With Matt needing Purple Sandpiper for the year Southsea Castle was the next stop. After paying £1.80 for parking six were soon found in the usual area below the Castle. Amazing how easy they are to overlook. Also seen here were Rock Pipit and two Shags on the wind-whipped sea. With the Hooded Crow having been reported we headed for Fort Widley which is on the hills overlooking Portsmouth. On arrival there were a good few birders around and the location of the bird was soon pinpointed although it wasn’t in view. After moving down to Pigeon House Farm Matt soon found the Crow feeding on its own in the middle of a large grassy field. Although distant had good views of what my first English Hoodie and a lifer for Matt. Where to go next? The New Forest was still an option but with the strong winds we decided against it. Instead heading along the coast from Lee-on-Solent, past Titchfield where we added Turnstone to the list and then to Weston Shore on what we hoped would be a sheltered Southampton Water. It wasn’t but we still managed to find the long-staying Long-tailed Duck amongst the waves. A good scan found some Great-crested Grebes but still no Cormorants, a surprise not to have seen one yet. Also of interest here were a good sized flock of Crows which were noisily moving around the car park and foreshore. From here we headed for Blashford Lakes where we knew would would be able to add to our already good day-list. After en-route sightings of Red kite and Buzzard we first had a look for the fudge duck on Kingfisher lake but despite there being a couple of holes in the fence covers we couldn’t see it. We headed straight for Ivy North hide where the Bittern has been showing well recently. It certainly was today with great views of it just a few yards in front of the hide. This gave us a chance to admire the incredible cryptic plumage. After raising its head almost vertically the Bittern moved into the dead reeds before reappearing again. We both agreed that it was our best ever views. Next the Woodland hide where, on the ever busy feeders we added Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Coal Tit, Brambling and Jay to the list. From the Goosander hide there were a few more species although the Black-necked Grebe ad Water Pipit couldn’t be found. Onwards again and we easily found the Bewicks Swan on Harbridge Meadows. Crossing the bridge over a small stream Matt saw a Kingfisher perched on an overhanging branch holding a small fish. With enough time left for a visit to Salisbury Plain on the way home a quick look at the Old Sarum pig farm showed there were no gulls to be looked at. Heading onto the tracks on the Plain, almost immediately we got a short but good view of a ringtail Hen Harrier. A good start. This was followed by Stonechat, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and then two more sightings of the same or another Harrier, this time more prolonged views were possible. We ended with great views of a hunting Short-eared Owl which we watched for a few minutes before it flew off out of sight. A fabulous end to a great day of birding which saw us with an excellent total of ninety-one species.
wiltshirebirder 