Trip reports

Coach Trip - Paxton Pits

Saturday, 17 May 2008

The weather was cold all day with showers and some heavy rain until lunch time. However, a total of 72 species were seen by the group, only one of which was seen on the journey.

Waterbirds were few in number and a late drake Wigeon was an interesting addition to the usual species. The raptor species were few but the Hobbies hawking over the pits were a great spectacle. Turtle Dove was seen by a few people and Cuckoo was also observed as well as heard. Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker was were seen and large numbers of Swift were flying over the pits with Sand Martin, Swallow and House Martin amongst them.
Nightingale, which seemed to be singing everywhere, were a special attraction although only about 10 people managed to actually see one. The warblers were also in full song with a single Cetti's Warbler at Hayling Lake amongst the Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warblers and other species. Other birds included Jay, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and a pair of Bullfinch which appeared to spend their time on one of the paths.

The highlight for everyone were the Nightingales which more than made up for the disappointing weather.