Completely forgot to mention that after Hayling Is (still talking about Friday here) I called in at Farlington for the high tide. The lagoon held a decent selection of the more common waders. c200 Black Tailed Godwit was the main species. I also counted 4 Bar Tailed among them. Redshanks were present in similar numbers to the Black Tails. Greenshank peaked at 24 and there were lesser numbers of Grey Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Snipe and a single Green Sandpiper. Several Bearded Tits were also feeding among the reed bases. As I then walked around to the viewing platform where a Kingfisher was showing well on the wooden posts just to the front. I then looped the reserve with not too much to show for the effort, other than around a dozen Great Crested Grebes in the harbour. On the butterfly front, I had a couple of Clouded Yellows and a single Small Copper.

Kingfisher, Farlington Lagoon, 25 Sep 2009

High Tide Roost, Farlington Lagoon, 25 Sep 2009

Small Copper, Farlington Marshes, 25 Sep 2009

This afternoon (Sunday) I popped along to Botley Wood, hoping for a few more late Butterflies. I was disappointed. Only a couple of Speckled Woods for my troubles. Did get to see the new fence at close quarters though. Glad to see that National Grid is not wasting our money. It must have cost a few bob to put the new security fence up and all those signs. You have to remember that the sub station is already protected by an eight foot high spiked fence. There is then an electrified fence on the inside of that. I guess if someone wants to get in maybe these signs could really help change their mind………......NOT. Needless to say I heeded the signs and stuck to woods public rights of way……......Way.

One sign

Another sign, note the new improved fence

National Grid welcomes you to one of Hampshires premier nature reserves.

Don't be put off by the doom and gloom. The Wood is superb. There is still plenty of access throughout the wood and no one will bother you, if you stick to the many paths that cross the wood. It's just the road and sub station that is private.

Steve Copsey