Ventured out to the Lower Test Marshes early on Saturday. Testwood lakes looks very popular with local dog walkers, but the bird hide and scrapes is suitably off the beaten track, and was very peaceful. Highlights were a family of foxes out in the open in nearby fields, two cubs vying for their parents' attention. On the reserve, an artificial Sand Martin bank was looking very popular, with a decent sized flock in and around the nest holes. Also Shelducks, Little Ringed Plover, Grey and Pied Wagtails, Little Egret and Lapwing all showing fairly well.
Returning home, stopped off at Redbridge to scan the marshes closer to the estuary. Not much here, except for a few Black Headed Gulls, and a single Yellow Legged Gull. Had a chat with another local birder who had seen 5 Green Sandpipers and heard a few Cetti's Warblers in the section of the Marshes between Redbridge and the Testwood lakes. Sounds like it is worth visiting, if I can find a suitable place to park.
Sunday evening I ventured over to Keyhaven in atrocious weather.. so bad that my waterproof trousers failed, and every sighting was a struggle. Foolishness was kind of rewarded with Little Tern, Med Gull, Redshank, Water Rail, Ringed Plover, and Eider. During a break between showers I saw a Barn Owl hunting over the marshes. By the end of the evening the only thing I possesed that was dry enough to wipe my optics was a Five pound note! Fortunately, by this time there was nothing left to see so I didn't have that dilemna!! |
