Went for a much needed day out to the New Forest and Keyhaven. Turned into a superb day, seeing 85 species, which is just 4 short of my best ever total in the UK.. I'm not too good at accumulating massive day lists! One day I would love to break 100 "self-found" species in a day in the uk.
Today I had the luck on my side, but not the local knowledge of Hampshire (everything is new to me this year). Also, I would have been pushing my luck on the family side, if I'd stayed out 'til after dusk!
Commonest species I didn't see were Treecreeper, Goldfinch(!), Yellowhammer, Jay and Sparrowhawk. With more time I could have almost certainly added Woodlark, Marsh Tit, Tawny Owl, Woodcock and Mandarin. Maybe next year I will try for 100 a week or two later in the year to try and add Hobby, and even Nightjar to the equation. I'd also need to find a reliable territory for the likes of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, and Firecrest. I'll also go better prepared with a checklist, and tell loved ones I'll be back at midnight!
Today's highlights were superb views of Crossbills, Wood Warbler, and Redstart in the New Forest, followed by a three hour walk around Keyhaven. Highlights here were Little Terns, Merlin, and Peregrine, with lots of other nice views of summer plumage Black and Bar tailed godwits, Greenshank and Grey Plover, Whimbrel, Eider, plus a White Wagtail.
Returned to North Baddesley to see my first Swifts of the year (I seem to be a bit slow picking these up compared to other migrants).
Yesterday went for a family walk to Danebury, the highlight being a Stoat going hell for leather across a huge open field giving ample opportunity for a good view! |
