Trip reports

Trip Report - New Arlesford, Hampshire.

Les Blundell

Sunday, 18 October 2009

This is a new venue for the W&B Local Group's Field trips, though I and a few others have walked the area before. This trip, on Sunday 18 October dawned a cold and frosty morning, however by the time we reached New Arlesford the day had warmed up and the sun was shining. We gathered together at the bottom of the High St and I briefed the group of 11 about the walk. Our first stop was the viewing area of Arlesford Old Pond, where there was a largish flock of Black-Headed Gulls, with 2-3 Common Gulls. A large number of Cormorants were preening in their favourite tree and several Teal, 2 Shelduck, a female Widgeon, a male Shoveller and 1 Gadwall were feeding on the shallow pond. Several Mallard, Coot and Moorhen were also present and during our 20 minute stop here the local Cetti Warbler serenaded us without showing itself once.

We continued on to the village of Old Arlesford stopping on a convenient grassy bank that gave us wonderful views across the Hampshire countryside and the watercress beds below. 30 or so Red legged Partridges were in the field feeding themselves up in readiness for the winter shoots. In the distance, 3 Redwing cavorted in the skies and in the field nearest us Rooks, Crows & Jackdaws foraged.
Our route then double-backed on the opposite side of the valley over fields and footpaths giving us closer views of the watercress beds. A solitary Siskin was seen by some members of the group and Meadow Pipits and a Grey Wagtail foraged amongst the watercress with the odd Mallard, Moorhens and several Woodpigeon. In the distance Buzzards were seen seeking thermals and one or two Skylarks sang above us.

Further on our route took us along the Millenium Walk alongside the banks of the River Arle which was notable for a distinct lack of birds, so the walk became a 'Fish Watch', the chalk stream was so clear we were able to see Pike, Perch, Grayling and Brown Trout .

Eventually we arrived back at our starting point in the High Street and everyone thoroughly satisfied with a great morning's bird and fish watching. The bird count total was 40 and the fish count was 4!

Paul Barrow