Trip reports

A South Coast twitch

Sunday, 16 December 2007

Our December trip was planned for Farlington Marshes near Portsmouth in Hampshire. However, a few days before the trip several interesting and unusual birds were being reported by the Birdguides website from areas nearby.

On the morning of the trip it was agreed by everyone on the coach that it would be worth trying a diversion or two to add birds to the 2007 lists. Our amenable coach driver was happy to assist, so first stop was Gosport Boating Lake a few miles from Portsmouth, where we sought out Ring Billed Gull, an American species which was happily zooming around with a lot of Black Headed Gulls. Most of us were able to get good views, aided by running commentary from trip leader Kevin Clements, County Recorder and Deputy Chairman of West Midland Bird Club!

With most people having ticked the bird, off we went to West Wittering in West Sussex, where on fields close to the beach we found huge flocks of Brent Geese. All variants were to be seen, Light Bellied, Dark Bellied and Black Brant. Amongst them was a single Red Breasted Goose. A beautiful, elegant bird which we watched in bright sunshine. The group lingered and enjoyed the views.

From there we made the short journey, finally, to Farlington Marshes. ( A picture of nearby Langstone Harbour is shown above ). The tide was turning but the light was still decent. The list included Grey Plover, Little Egret, Avocet and Golden Plover. Total list for the day was 72 species. The long journey home was accompanied by a gentle buzz of conversation and general agreement that a great day had been had by all.