Trip reports

OWN TRANSPORT TRIP TO NORMANDY MARSHES AND BLACKWATER ARBORETUM

Sunday, 7 December 2008

After a heavy overnight frost, 14 members gathered in Lymington on a beautiful still, sunny morning for our annual visit to these two contrasting locations. It took no time at all for the first of 4 kingfishers to be enjoyed, along with the regular waders. With the tide low, these were initially seen at distance, but as we made our way around the marsh, closer views were had, particularly of dunlin and grey plover. A distant peregrine was seen in flight by some, but all got to enjoy a perched merlin. Much of the water on Normandy was frozen, but in that which was open, a tufted duck joined up to 7 little grebes. At least 1000 wildfowl were at roost - mostly wigeon, but also teal, pintail, shelduck, shoveler, mallard and a few gadwall. We had checked in vain all the brent geese for the red breasted goose, when one of our party saw the bird fly behind the marsh - too late for anyone else to see it! However, on reaching the field in question, he duly found it again, in the company of Canada geese. Unfortunately, being such a small goose, the red breasted was often hidden by sedges. With patience, we all had at least a glimpse. The bird then took off, showing its stunning plumage well, before disappearing out onto the estuary.

Arriving at the arboretum at 2pm, we were forced to wait longer than expected in the still frosty conditions, with only a robin and a goldcrest for company. Eventually, a hawfinch landed atop a tall pine, only to be bumped off by another before it was seen by the 11 members who had stayed on. Another perched bird was located, but again left shortly afterwards. There was then a long gap before a siskin and 2 chaffinches put in an appearance. It was decided to walk in amongst the trees, which turned out to be advantageous, as up to 10 very active hawfinches were using a particular pine that could not be seen from the normal track. Ultimately, stunning views were had by all.

Other birds recorded :- Cormorant, Little Egret, Mute Swan, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Pheasant, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Redshank, Black tailed Godwit, Curlew, Lapwing, Snipe, BH Gull, Common Gull, GBB Gull, Herring Gull, Wood pigeon, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren(h), Dunnock(h), Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Redwing (1 only), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Crow, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting. (57 species)

Reported by Steve Oakes