Jan 152012
Two major British rarities were over wintering in Hampshire and although not “Lifers”, were well worth the trip down to the New Forest. There were also a number of other good birds in the area.
The first, a male Spanish Sparrow was frequenting gardens in the small village of Calshot, the bird had apparently been in the area for many weeks unidentified until the last week or so. The bird was coming to feeders in a small garden and we eventually had good views thanks to one of the local residents allowing access to view the garden from her lounge & kitchen window. Many thanks to the person who opened up their house to the throng of visiting birders. I noted a queen Garden Bumble Bee was on the wing!!
The next MEGA was a first winter male Dark-eyed Junco that was visiting a seeded area of the New Forest at Hawkhill Enclosure, near Beaulieu. This North American Sparrow was a real cracking bird and some 14 years since I last saw one. The nearby area of heathland got us Dartford Warbler, Stonechat & Crossbill but we dipped on the Great Grey Shrike that was in the area of Bishop’s Dyke. At Harbridge Water Meadows we had an adult Whooper Swan and three Bewick’s Swan amongst a large herd of Mute Swan and at Blashford Lakes a Green Sandpiper but unfortunately no Ferruginous Duck. One of the most amazing sights of the day was a Long-tailed Tit, lining a nest with chicken feathers at the entrance to Blashford Lakes, it’s the 15th January!! Spring is mighty early this year..
The Year List moves on to 124
IMAGES – No:1 – male Spanish Sparrow / No:2 – 1st winter Dark-eyed Junco / No:3 Nuthatch / No:4 female Gadwall / No:5 drake Gadwall / No: 6 & 7 Drake Tufted Duck.
