Peter Jones, "Hampshire Diary"
• Sunday, February 15, 2009 - Barn Owls and Shelducks (!) at Stockbridge.
Afternoon / Early evening out today, and I couldn't decide between Blashford, Owls hunting on the Downs, or looking for wildfowl / Waders etc. in flooded fields along the Test Valley.
Chose the latter.. Don't get me wrong, Iove the local area, but it can be hard work at times! Tried the fields just north of Mottisfont, but they weren't particularly flooded. Just Fieldfare, a couple of Ravens and a Buzzard. Tried to capture some shots of the Fieldfare with the Canon and Scope, and they came out ok considering the distance. Telephoto lens would have just laughed!
Finished the afternoon at Stockbridge Marsh. A good area, but really popular with the local dog walkers. The Private lake to the south is frustratingly hidden from view from the footpath. The one flash of water I saw had 2 Shelducks, which made it even more frustrating wondering what else was out there. 2 Barn Owls were in the area.. one passing by really close, one hunting after dusk. also after dusk a few Little Egrets came into roost, a Water Rail called, and a few small flocks of Ducks and Geese flew overhead.
Alerted to a Redpoll visiting another Birder's feeders in the village, so hope yet, but time is running out this winter. |
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• Monday, February 16, 2009 - Wildfowl in the Test Valley
You've leap-frogged the best site, Fishlake Meadows here in Romsey. TVB will keep you informed of what is being seen there.
Phil