RETURN TO . . . Emsworth Wildlife - Homepage . . Havant Wildlife Group -main page HAVANT WILDLIFE GROUP REPORTS OF SATURDAY WALKS 2013 . . . . SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2013 - Pulborough Brooks Seven of the group met at Pulborough on a fine but chilly morning. Among the usual birds of the area were a large flock of Fieldfare and hidden amongst dense twigs was the distinctive deep rose-pink breast of a male Bullfinch. In the area of Jupp's View and Netley's hide there were numerous colourful Wigeon at close quarters. Vast numbers of Canada Geese both in the water and in the surrounding fields together with 3 Snow Geese and some Greylags. Only 2 black-tailed Godwit seen dabbling with a couple of Dunlin. A Peregrine falcon was spotted flying over this viewing area. Fieldfare and Long Tailed Tits darted to and fro from the adjacent bushes to the waters edge. At Winpenny hide 2 snipe were spotted, both within normal vision. At West Mead hide there were Shovelers, Pintail and Shelduck amongst the Teal and usual ducks. SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2013 - WEST WITTERING Chris Cope reported on the walk by the Havant Wildlife Group "There was a cold northerly wind blowing when 11 of us met at West Wittering on a bright, sunny day. We saw few birds to see out in Bracklesham Bay, but Heather saw a Harbour Seal. There were Lapwing, Oystercatchers, Redshank, Grey & Ring Plover Plover and a Curlew on the muddy inlet, a Robin, Blackbird & Dunnock in the bushes & a Kestrel over head, Wigeon, Teal, Black-tailed Godwits, Coot, Moorhen & an Egret in the ponds at Snow Hill. Walking towards Ella Nore we disturbed a Green Woodpecker on the path & had a really close view of a Rock Pipit. At Ella Nore there were flocks of Dunlin & Sanderling, which gave us the opportunity to compare the two. A few Turnstone on the waters edge, & Great Crested Grebes, a Merganser & a Guillemot out in the Harbour. Round at Lane End some Shelduck & distant flocks of Brent, but the tide was too far out to see the large numbers of birds we've seen there in the past. We returned via the road to the car park & saw a flock of starling, large (500+) flocks of Brent Geese, & 300 + Golden Plover to round off a very pleasant morning. SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2013 - Chichester Gravel Pits Heather Mills reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group. "What a lovely day, bright & sunny and the pits showing lovely reflections of the surrounding trees. 14 enjoyed a very leisurely stroll around to the west from the North Mundam car park. The highlight of the morning was an adult Great Crested with 2 juveniles constantly begging for food, on Great Copse lake. Some of the group had not seen juveniles before. There were 6 or so Gadwall on here together with Tufted ducks, with the usual Greylags being fed by one of the residents. As we progressed along the footpath towards Ivy lake we saw Chiffchaff & heard the first of Cetti's warbler singing & more juvenile G/Crested. On reaching the roadway at the top of Ivy lake, we had our coffee break basking in the sun whilst we saw Kestrel and Sparrowhawk fly over and a Grey Wagtail. The lake was soon in turmoil as a speed boat began to race up & down. The coots divided into North & South of the lake and I guestimated 200 on this lake alone. No rarities appeared but later on the north path we saw our first Pochards and Shovelers on Runcton lake. We usually clamber into the vegetation of Vinnetrow lake but on this occasion we thought a better vantage point could be accessed further along. We finally saw a few House Sparrows at the far end near Peckham lake which is no longer accessible due to the fishing club. 37 species seen. The scent of Mahonia was on the air as we made our way back. One Red Admiral butterfly, wasp and dragonfly seen, but the latter not identified. SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2 - 2013 - Head Down Heather Mills reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group 13 met today on a somewhat misty start to the morning with low cloud descending once we were north of Queen Elizabeth forest. However, there was a distinct lack of wind which made the walk very pleasant and we all enjoyed the wonderful autumnal colours. We followed the footpath east stopping to admire the new dew pond with nature board to the left, not far from the car park and noted the "Cheese snail", but it alluded us. There were very few birds in evidence today and only Great Tits and a Coal Tit singing. Later a Buzzard called whilst descending the hill, where we perched on a bank for a coffee, with a wasp in close proximity. Herb Robert and a Mullein was in flower, with a few daisies on the footpath. The woodland nearest the railway line held the most Common Helvella, (White Saddle)? which was a new one for some of the group. A couple of Earth Star were also seen. Jim found a few to identify later. I spotted a very tiny orange Ladybird which appeared to take on the colour of a streak in the fungi. Caroline heard a Marsh Tit on the return and a Great Spot flew over. SATURDAY OCTOBER 26 - 2013 - Blashford Lakes Heather Mills reports on yesterday's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group on behalf of Fay who guided them. "9 met on a very wet and windy day which improved as we started our quest for interesting birds to see. We were not disappointed as the Great White Egret was close to, in our first hide. Everyone could see the full colour of it's bill and wonderful plumage. It soon got chased off though, by the local Grey Heron. Juvenile Great Crested Grebes looked a dazzling white on the water, and some still had the stripes remaining on their heads. Wigeon, Shoveler, Tufted, Gadwall, Pochard ducks were in full finery. A flock of Siskin flew over the centre building but did not venture to settle. The usual birds were not in evidence today at the woodland hide. However, on our return to the centre we did spot some very large fungi. One was a pestle type and was one of the biggest I had seen. Rowena did reveal a Great Spot climbing through the vegetation for us to watch. After a quick welcome break, we set off for Ibsley water. Easily the best hide for good numbers of birds to watch. 16 or so Great Crested, and five Little Grebes entertained us close by in front of the hide. 14 Egyptian geese nearby. I spotted a juvenile Herring Gull with a plastic ring on it's bill. Some might say "no loss", but it was evident the bird was flagging at not being able to feed through human carelessness in discarding waste. 42 species seen at a very enjoyable spot near the New Forest. SATURDAY OCTOBER 19 - 2013 - Pagham Harbour Heather Mills reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group: "8 met at the RSPB reserve at Siddlesham. Although rain threatened, we managed most of the walk in the dry. Large flocks of Black-headed gulls were on the pools to the West across the main road, with a few Lapwing and Wigeon, together with Teal and a few immature Herring gulls. As we followed the footpath around the shore line, we had good views of Curlew and a Grey Plover, with Redshank. A large flock of Long-tailed Tits flew into a Hawthorn. We had a flock (circa 30) of Pintail fly over us towards the coast. As we progressed to the north end of the reserve a Cetti's warbler did a partial song & a few Reed Bunting showed well in the Elder. We stopped to take a seat and had a coffee break watching the tide rapidly come in. Distant views of Great Crested Grebe and a Mute swan family with 4 signets together with the large flocks of Wigeon out on the sea. Curlew flew about & called their haunting burble as they constantly shifted over the mud in front of us. We took a footpath down the side of the houses which led us alongside a reed bed with a thick clump of Honey fungus on the path, also noticing the ample size of sloes this year. A Green Woodpecker called and 6 or so Chaffinch were noticed in the abundance of Rowan berries. 44 species seen. SATURDAY OCTOBER 12 2013 - Havant thicket Ros Norton reported on today's walk: "Nine of us walked north from the Havant Thicket car park on a lovely sunny morning . We heard a few birds including jays, robins and tits. Most of the flowers were over but we saw a little black knapweed, heather (ling) , bramble, golden-rod and tormentil. We made detours into various areas in search of fungi and found many species. The fungi included fly agaric, false death cap,candle-snuff,stagshorn,penny bun (cep),sulphur tuft,false chanterelle,bracket fungi, various russulas including fragile, various mycenas and some bracket fungi. SATURDAY OCTOBER 5 2013 - Hook with Warsash Report by Chris Cope: Eight of us met to walk along the shore at Hook with Warsash, it started dull, but became warm & sunny in the later part of the walk. Leaving the car park we saw a Jay, (one of several seen during the morning), & a Spotted flycatcher, a Mistle Thrush & Swallows & Pied Wagtails flew overhead. Walking round the hide (locked) to Hook Lake we saw Crows & Magpie & heard Cetti's Warbler & Treecreeper. There were Ring Plover, Redshank, Oystecatcher, Turnstone, Egret, Dunlin, Curlew, Heron, Black-tailed Godwit, Brent, Black-headed & Herring Gull on the muddy creek by Hook Lake. Along the shore a large flock of Gadwall flew by & eventually settled on the pond, were we saw Greenshank, Wigeon, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Common Sandpiper, & Jackdaw, there were 3 Roe Deer as well. Caroline saw a Winchat. Further along the shore where Sea Poppy & Sea Campion were in flower, we saw Dunnock, Robin, Linnet, Stonechat, Starlings, a Kestral, Sparrowhawk, & a Common Turn, a flock of Goldfinches & another flock of Wagtails, possibly Pied. Migrant Hawker Dragon flies, - 2 mating were flying over a muddy patch by the bridge on the path leading back to the houses. Leaving the shore further on, & walking towards Workman's Lane we saw a Red Admiral, Comma, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood & a White Butterfly. Field Mustard, Red Clover, Scarlet Pimpernel, Perennial Sow-thistle, Black Medic, Hoary Ragwort & Mayweed were still flowering. Heather spotted the Little owl in the Oak tree again for us, plus a Stock Dove, Buzzard, Green Woodpecker & a Jay burying acorns. A flock of Skylarks in the field overlooking Chilling Farm rounded off a perfect morning. SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21 - 2013 - Farlington Marshes Chris Cope reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group "15 of us walked round Farlington Marshes on a dull but mild day, the highlights were a large flock of Wigeon, 6 Harbour Seals & a flock of Yellow Wagtails feeding amongst the cows in the field near the hut. We also saw :-Kestrel, Mallard, Ring & Grey Plover (in summer plumage), Redshank, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Teal, Canada Geese, a large flock of Starling, Bearded Tit, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Curlew Sandpiper, Egret, Moorhen, Turnstone, Meadow Pipit, Swallow, Crow, Goldfinch, Buzzard, Cormorant, Great Black-backed Gull, Heron, Coot, Gadwall and heard a Cetti's Warbler call. Our flower list was :- Woody Nightshade, Silverweed, Bristly Oxtongue, Creeping Thistle, Halberd-leaved Orache, Small Red Goosefoot, Glasswort, Golden & Rock Samphire, Mayweed, Common Mallow, Sea Aster, Cinquefoil, Spear Thistle, Yarrow, & Fleabane plus one Red Admiral butterfly." SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14 - 2013 - North east Thorney Tony Wootton reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group. "11 of met by the sewage farm on the corner of Thorney Rd. and Thornham Lane. We walked down Thornham Lane, turned left, continued to Prinsted, then Southwards towards Thorney Island, through the boat yard, right back to Thornham Lane, left down to the army gate, finally about turn and back to the car. Bright and sunny with the occasional blast of cold air and a sprinkling of rain towards midday. We saw a roe deer, obliviously sunning itself, a lone speckled wood, a wasp spider with the remains of a cranefly and a fox chobbling on an unknown meal. Flowering plants included sow thistle, yarrow, mallow, fleabane, creeping thistle, toadflax, sea lavender, hoary ragwort, red bartsia, sea aster, bristly oxtongue and mayweed. As well as hearing a chiffchaff we saw over the whole morning perhaps 3-4 hundred mixed swallows and house martins, with many around the sewage farm. I wonder why ? Wood pigeon, cormorant, carrion crows, magpie, collared dove, sparrowhawks, 2 together at one point. 4 kestrels, again 2 together at one point. Perhaps a family breaking up. 2 stock doves, meadow pipits, wheatear, great tit, long tailed tit, blue tit, redshank, greenshank (LN+YY), little egret, black t godwits, common terns, turnstone, shelduck, curlew, dunlin, mute swans, house sparrows, buzzard, teal, wigeon, greenfinch, linnet, ringed plover, grey plover, common sandpiper,oystercatcher, great crested grebe, cock pheasant, but no osprey. 38 birds and a lovely walk." SATURDAY September 7 - STAUNTON COUNTRY PARK Heather Mills reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group: "I was somewhat pleasantly surprised to greet 10 members on a slightly changeable morning to do a leisurely amble around Staunton. As we searched the lake area Derek spotted a juvenile Grey wagtail catching insects on the lilies. A Heron was watching from the centre island as Coots, Moorhens and Mallards dabbled along with a couple of Cormorants fishing. A surprise couple of Common Terns noisily circled over the pond. We had views of a possible Stock Dove which then called to confirm that it was. I have not visited recently and was pleasantly surprised to see horned sheep grazing and some young spotty piglets with some other pigs, corralled further inside the woods. At the Gipsy plain area we looked at the mix of cattle with some Longhorns grazing. Swallows eagerly passed over the long grass and 3 Hobbys high up, hunted on the thermals with a rainbow giving added effect to the scene. After our break we made our way back noting the many sculptures dotted through the woods. Unfortunately some of the large redwoods on the pathway into the area are dying. Our morning was rounded off by viewing the clever tree sculptures to the side entrance. The main tree trunk was turned into a fortress with a serpent poking out at the top and his tail showing at the bottom, along with a sleeping giant and a couple of other clever renditions. We noted the Burdock was not Greater, and watched as 4 or 5 Speckled Woods chased each other on the many thriving Ash trees. The Knopper Galls were dissected to ascertain the contents but did not have a resident. Treecreepers and Nuthatch called along with Great Spotted Woodpecker. SATURDAY AUGUST 24 - 2013 - NORE DOWN Chris Cope reported on the walk by the Havant Wildlife Group Five of us ignored the forecast & met in West Marden for a walk to Nore Down to see flowers & butterflies there. There must have been a cloud burst earlier as there were flints & stones all over the road from half way down the hill, almost to the pub. Whilst getting ready we saw Swallows, & saw / heard a Great Spot & Green Woodpecker & admired a Walnut tree that was laden in nuts. We successfully negotiated the field with two Highland cattle with a calf & saw Nettle-leaved Bellflower, Nipplewort & Wall Lettuce but were very disappointed on reaching the Downs to find that they had been cut. (I checked old records & found that Brian had taken us there in July before). We decided to explore Watergate Hanger instead & saw some magnificent Beach trees & two tall Douglas Firs, wild Cherry & some very straight trunked Yews which had fencing around the trunk. We came out of the wood by Broadreed Farm & watched Long-tail Tits & Gold finches in a Yew tree, then turned back to walk along the western side of the Hanger. We heard a Stock Dove & Treecreeper & eventually crossed a very muddy field where we saw two Roe deer, Lesser Burdock, Marsh Woundwort, Field Madder, Speedwell, Hedge Bedstraw, Red Bartsia, Fleabane & Creeping Thistle. Back in the village, muddy but dry, we saw a flock of Greenfinches in an other Yew tree. SATURDAY AUGUST 17 - 2013 - Old Winchester Hill Ros Norton reported on today's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group 10 members of the wildlife study group walked around Old Winchester Hill on a cloudy and breezy morning. Highlights included a large number of chalkhill blue butterflies, a brown argus,clouded yellow, small heath, small tortoishells, gatekeepers, meadow browns, small and large whites. Other insects included an angle shades moth, several cinnebar moth caterpillars and soldier beetles. Among the birds seen were goldfinches,linnets,yellowhammers, a buzzard and a kestrel. There were large clumps of marjoram, black knapweed and rosebay willowherb. Other flowers included round-headed rampions, carline, creeping and dwarf thistles, perennial sow thistles, goatsbeard, harebells, squinancywort,fairy flax, eyebright,chicory, autumn gentian,woody nightshade,red bartsia,mignonette,ladies bedstraw,rest harrow,wild basil,yellow rattle,yarrow, wild clematis,white bryony and agrimony. SATURDAY AUGUST 10 2013 - Emer Bog and Baddesley Common. Tony Wootton reported on today's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group 8 merry men and ladies walked off into pastures new for most if not all . The common was the most productive, the bog was a bit disappointing, perhaps earlier in the year, say June could be better. Quite warm at times with patchy sunshine, very light winds. About 18-20 degrees. Insects, ladybird,M+F common blue,comma,large small and green veined whites,meadow brown,gatekeeper, speckled wood,brimstone, peacock, cinnabar, silver Y,mother of pearl and pyrausta aurata Birds,longtailed tit, green woodpecker,gt spot woodpecker,blackbird, buzzard, jay,wren, willow warbler,robin,chiffchaff,carrion crow,goldfinches,stonechats. HEARD ONLY, nuthatch, treecreeper,goldcrest,bullfinch. Others, Common lizard,crickets, beefsteak funghi, 2 types of slime funghi. Flowers( 43 ), petty whin,ling,bell heather,cross leafed heather,skullcap,lesser spearwort,selfheal,gypsywort,marsh pennywort,figwort,centuary,sneezewort,lesser skullcap,enchanters nightshade,waterpepper,hemlock water dropwort,watermint,woody nightshade,honeysuckle,dodder,herb robert,sow thistle,common hemp nettle,devil's bit scabious,marsh cudweed,lesser hawkbit,smooth catsear,square stalk st john's wort,fleabane,jack by the hedge,cow parsley,red dead nettle,compact rush,yarrow,knot weed, pineapple plant,nipplewort,gt plantain,creeping thistle,marsh ragwort,redshank,bindwind,bird's foot trefoil,marsh thistle,tormentil. SATURDAY AUGUST 3 2013 - FOLEY MANOR AND FOLLY POND Tony Wootton reported on this morning's walk by Havant Wildlife Group. "8 of us set off to have a walk around Foley Manor and Folly Pond, in lovely sunny fresh conditions. Although it tried to rain on us several times but with no real success. We saw meadow browns, gatekeepers, ringlets, large whites, a large skipper, a peacock, a speckled wood and a very tired silver washed fritillary, blue damselflies, soldier beetles, a variety of bees. Plants: Bell heather, crab apples, greater burdock, figwort, marsh thistle, creeping thistle, water mint, yellow loosestrife, and self heal. Birds: Chiffchaff, 3 young whitethroats, swallows, house martins and swifts. Carrion crow, jackdaws, blackbird, dunnock, wren, tufted duck with ducklings, mallards, Egyptian geese, little grebe, great crested grebe, young nuthatch, green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, spotted flycatcher, then right at the end around 20 siskins and the thin call of a bullfinch." SATURDAY JULY 27 - 2013 - IPING AND STEDHAM COMMON Ros Norton reported on today's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group "Four of us explored the above commons on a hot and sunny morning which brought the butterflies out early. Highlights included quite a lot of silver-studded blue butterflies around the heather, 3 silver-washed fritillaries together nectaring on bramble flowers, and a white admiral which perched on a white car in the car park. Others were brimstones, green veined whites, gatekeepers, meadow browns, speckled woods and large skippers. An emperor dragonfly flew over a small pond. Spiderlings moved in webs on gorse bushes. A common lizard basked in the sun. Among the birds were a pair of stonechats, several yellowhammers, linnets, a nuthatch, Treecreeper, greater spotted woodpecker, swallows, a buzzard and many tits including coal and long tailed. Flowers were mostly ling, cross leaved heath and bell heather but also harebells, rosebay willowherb and dodder. SATURDAY JULY 20 - 2013 - BURTON MILL POND Tony Wootton reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group and what a bonanza they had! "Five went to Burton Mill Pond on what was the first comparatively cool and cloudy day for a about 2 weeks. Birds. Very few seen, Jackdaw, Mute Swan, GCG, Mallard, Coot, but heard was Chiffchaff, Wren, GSW, GWood, Reed Warbler. Butterflies, very few again, mainly whites, ringlets and meadow browns, but the first Gatekeeper of the year for most of us. Dragons and damsels. Only one unidentified dragon in a warm boggy area. Lots of blue damselflies, one of which was a blue-tailed plus a banded demoiselle. Plants, because of the terrain, many different ones to normal. Bogbean, sphagnum moss, yellow loosestrife, hemlock water dropwort, alder buckthorn, greater willowherb, rosebay willow herb, greater tussock sedge, skullcap, marsh bed straw, common water plantain, Gipsywort, honeysuckle, bulrush, crossleaf heather, wood sage, musk mallow, lesser and greater burdock, hemp Agrimony, hogweed, brandy bottle water lily, woody nightshade, forget me not, Nipplewort, marsh thistle, red campion, white water lily, arrowhead, Branched Bur-reed, bristly ox-tongue, creeping thistle, creeping cinquefoil, centaury, betony, enchanted nightshade, Vervain, Selfheal, climbing corydalis. Phew, thanks to Ros for 99.999% of the i.d. and to Hilary for the note taking. Here is the Arrowhead named after its arrow-shaped leaves which unfortunately are now shown in the photo Here are the stalwart naturalists beneath the oldest sweet chestnut you ever did see SATURDAY July 13, 2013 - NOAR HILL Ros Norton reported on yesterday's Havant Wildlife Group walk at Noar Hill. "Three of us visited Noar Hill on a lovely warm sunny morning which brought the butterflies out early including many marbled whites and ringlets, also small heaths, skippers, meadow browns and whites. Skylarks and yellowhammers were singing. Orchids in flower included many common spotted, fragrant, pyramidal, twayblade and musk but the white helliborines had gone to seed. Other flowers included rock-rose, greater and black knapweed, fairy flax, thyme, many hawkweeds,hedge woundwort, hedge bedstraw, ladies bedstraw, hogweed, rest harrow, tufted vetch, ox-eye daisies, milkwort, birds foot trefoil, and marsh, creeping , spear and dwarf thistles." SATURDAY July 6, 2013 - COULTERS DEAN Ros Norton reported on today's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group at Coulters Dean. What a cracking list of flowers! "Starting at car park at back of Queen Elizabeth Country Park south of Buriton 7 of us walked to Coulters Dean Nature Reserve on a warm morning with some sun. Along the track we saw Agrimony, black bryony, bladder and red campion, crosswort and bush vetch in flower. The reserve was a mass of yellow, mostly hawkbits but among them many common spotted orchids, twayblades and a few greater butterfly orchids, fragrant orchids, bee orchids, pyramidal orchids in flower. A few broad leaved helliborines are still in bud. Other flowers include birds foot trefoil, rock rose, kidney vetch, common valerian, columbine, clustered bellflower, round headed rampion, fairy flax, meadow vetchling, thyme, marjoram, self heal, greater knapweed, hedge bedstraw, common milkwort, and a few ox-eye daisies. A buzzard flew overhead. Butterflies seen include meadow browns, ringlets, small heath , skipper, a blue and a spotted burnet moth." SATURDAY June 29, 2013 - South Moor Orchid count Nigel Johnson and his team from the Havant Wildlife Group counted 7,420 Southern Marsh Orchids on the South Moor at Langstone on Saturday morning. This is a good number, but continues the downward trend over the past 3 years from a high of 9,234 in 2010. Here is Derek's photo of the counting team taking a break.   SATURDAY June 22, 2013 - PORTSDOWN HILL Ros Norton reported on the walk by the Havant Wildlife Group at Portsdown Hill. Five of us braved the strong wind east of the George and Fort Purbrook area. Only 1 butterfly was seen, a speckled wood. Birds seen included a buzzard, a likely kestrel , rooks , a blackcap and heard greenfinches. There were many plants in flower including ox-eye daisies,bladder campion, yellow rattle, common gromwell, yellow wort, common toadflax, hedge woundwort, self heal, weld, mignonette, viper,s bugloss, melilot, rest harrow, tufted vetch, knapweed broomrape, mouse-ear hawkweed, black bryony, woody nightshade , sainfoin, common spotted and pyramidal orchids. This year there seemed to be more than usual common spotted orchids in area below Fort Purbrook but about the same number of pyramidal orchids. However the pyramidal orchids were in early stages of flowering so may be more to come. SATURDAY June 1, 2013 - KINGLEY VALE Heather Mills reports on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group with a cracking photo of Grizzled Skipper. "Chris unfortunately could not make today's walk so 8 of us muddled through together. A smattering of Bluebells were still evident in the wood as we continued along the main footpath, with Archangel, Stitchwort,& white & pink Campion. Taking the northerly route out of the car park after seeing Buzzard and Kestrel with Swallows buzzing the car park and a Stock dove heard. White-throat soon became evident with Yellowhammer singing and Blackcaps. 8 Fallow deer appeared in the western corner of the field with rape in bloom giving them good cover. A further Yellowhammer singing in the reserve, where we were encouraged to view the "newly" designed hut with a fine array of birds pictures on the ceilings and walls, along with some nature studies. Here we continued on the nature trail and heard Goldcrest & Firecrest, & Bullfinch singing. Marsh & Coal tit seen, along with Green Wood pecker. Butterflies seen were Brimstone, Red Admiral, Green Veined Whites, Speckled Wood, Dingy and Grizzled Skippers, Small Heath, Orange tips. Most Early purple orchids were dotted on the footpath to the West of the nature trail that we took upon our return. Cowslips with Common Spotted Orchids just starting to open up." SATURDAY MAY 25 2013 - Hollybank Woods Ros Norton reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group. "Eight of us visited Hollybank Woods on a sunny morning. Plenty of birdsong heard including blackcap, blackbird, song thrush, chiffchaff, stock dove, wren, chaffinch, and goldcrest. A buzzard flew overhead. Insects included bumblebees, flies and butterflies, whites, brimstones and speckled woods. Some of the group saw a common lizard. Highlight among the flora were the early purple orchids in the Longcopse Hill area mostly scattered over a large area with one group of about 29 orchids. Other flowers included bluebells, wood and thyme leaved speedwell, bittercress, ramsons, bugle, wood anemones, greater stitchwort, garlic mustard, wood millet, holly and rowan." My comments I visited Hollybank Woods on Wednesday May 22 - see the Emsworth blog for that date for report and photos. http://www.emsworthwildlife.hampshire.org.uk/0-0-0-wildlife-diary.htm I did not get down to see the Early Purple Orchids, but am pleased to hear they are doing well. Someone needs to do a proper count. You clearly did not know about the wild and native version of Lily of the Valley which is now in flower on the cleared area north of the Holly Lodge site. See the blog for photo. Regarding Wood Millet I have never seen so much as there is in the woods this year. A real bumper crop. I also found Wood Melick - though far less in quantity. However, my best find of all was a tuft of the scarce Dense-headed Heath Wood-rush (Luzula multiflora ssp congesta) (only one that I could see) in the usual spot at the junction of several paths just east of the south eastern Bluebell area. This plant was originally discovered by our very good friend the late Gwynne Johnson on May 11, 2002. It is good that her memory lives on in these plants which come up every year. SATURDAY MAY 18 2013 - South West Hayling Ros Norton reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group. "A group of 10 did a circular walk from Sinah gravel pit around Gunnar Point and Hayling Ferry on a bright, dry morning. The many Green-winged Orchids were stunted and one had white flowers. Other plants seen in flower included Little Robin, Round Leaved and Doves Foot Cranesbills, Common Storksbill, Burrowing Clover, Spotted Medick, Lesser Trefoil, Eastern Rocket, English Scurveygrass, Sea Radish, Early Forgetmenot , Oxford Ragwort and a spectacular number of Gorse flowers. Plants just coming into flower included Bur Chervil, Hoary Cress, Thrift and Sea Sandwort. Birds seen included a Willow Warbler, Whitethroats, a Linnet, Sandwich Terns and Tufted Ducks. Among the few insects were St Mark,s flies and a Small Copper butterfly." SATURDAY APRIL 20 - 2013 - HOOK WITH WARSASH Eight of enjoyed a sunny day, at Hook with Warsash, which was quite warm out of the wind. We saw a Jay & Nuthatch in the thicket by the car park, then walked north hoping to visit the hide, on the way to the shore we heard Chiffchaff & Blackcap singing, unfortunately the hide was locked, but we well compensated by seeing Black-tailed Godwits & two Dunlin in summer plumage & a Redshank feeding in the mud in Hook Lake. Out on the shore Alexanders were in flower & Sandwich Terns, Shelduck, Lapwing, Turnstone & two Brent Geese were feeding on the shingle bank, a Greater Black-backed Gull was eating a fish, a Sand Martin & two Swallows flew by. Along the shore several Whitethroats slipped in & out of the Gorse (which smelt lovely) but no good sightings & we heard a Skylark. At the small lake which I think might be called Hook Link we found two Little Gulls, which judging from their dark 'W' wing patterns, were juveniles & Sandwich Terns, which were useful for size comparison, there were also Little Grebes, two Gadwall, Shelduck, a Heron & Black-headed Gulls. We went looking for Little Owls in Workman's Lane, as Caroline had been told that two had been seen in the Oak trees & thanks to her sharp eyes we had a good view of one of them. There were 7 Curlew in the field & a Green Woodpecker We came back across the Recreation grounds where there were a lot of Bluebell leaves but no sign of flowers, & a Buzzard was being mobbed by a Crow. SATURDAY MARCH 23 - 2013 - Pulborough Brooks Tony Wootton reports on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group "Five even more intrepid warriors than last week set off for Burton Mill. However a temperature of 1 degree and sleet sent us running for the protection of the Pulborough hides. Where we saw, blackbird, buzzard calling, chaffinch, chiffchaff, cormorant, carrion crow, dunnock, little egret, fieldfare, goldfinch, canada goose, great crested grebe, greenfinch, lesser blackback, black headed, hen harrier (either female or juvenile known as a ringtail), grey heron, jay, lapwing, linnets, magpie, mallard, moorhen, nuthatch, pheasant, pintail, meadow pipit, redshank, redwing, robin, rook, shelduck, shoveller, snipe, house sparrow, starling, mute swan, teal, song thrush, coal tit, blue tit, great tit, wigeon, green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, wood pigeon. 46 species." SATURDAY MARCH 16 - 2013 - New Forest - Lymington Tony Wootton reported on Saturday's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group. "7 of us left for Lymington in pouring rain and a strong cold wind. However, our bravery was rewarded with no rain, a dying wind and even some glimpses of sunshine. We stopped first, in the New Forest, at Beaulieu Road Station to try and see the reported Great Grey Shrike. We were unlucky, but did have really good views of both male and female Stonechats, pied wags and Meadow Pipits. Also there were kestrel, female reed bunting, chaffinch, jay, goldfinch, robin, magpie, coal tit and crows. On to Lymington where a walk around the lower sheltered path, produced, lapwing, Wigeon, teal, Shelduck, mallard, pintail, shoveller, B H gull, common gull, great black backed gull, turnstone, ringed plover, grey plover, dunlin, knot, avocet, redshank, spotted redshank, greenshank, black tailed godwits, curlew, oystercatcher, merganser, little grebe, cormorants, dunnock, blackbird, starlings, tufted duck, woodpigeon, great spotted woodpecker, canada geese, brent, little egret, blue tit, great tit and mute swan. Then finally walking down the lane a pair of Bullfinches, particularly the male, gave some of us a lovely close up view. SATURDAY MARCH 9 - 2013 - NUTBOURNE - PRINSTED Caroline French reports on this morning's walk. "Thirteen members turned out for a walk from Nutbourne to Prinsted. The weather was murky at first but by mid-morning we were enjoying some lovely sunshine and warmth. High tide was at 09.16 so we took the paths across the fields to Prinsted where we had a coffee break, before returning along the sea-wall to Nutbourne, hoping that there would be some birds along the shore by that time. However, when we arrived back at the top of Nutbourne Channel, the water levels were still quite high and we saw little in the way of waders. In fact the only waders we saw were 34 Curlew feeding in the field of oilseed rape north of the horse fields, one or two Little Egrets, and three or four Redshank. We had good views of three Reed Buntings, two males and a female, and of a pair of Long-tailed Tits, one of which was quivering its wings in what appeared to be some sort of courtship display or mating signal. Ros spotted a single Redwing in one of the horse fields, feeding alongside a couple of Song Thrushes and Starlings. There were a few Wigeon (c24 when I counted) and at least nine pairs of Pintail. We had good views of a male Kestrel over the Nutbourne reedbeds - in my experience at least one Kestrel is almost guaranteed here. We saw a couple of Mediterranean Gulls looking very smart in full breeding plumage and Tony spotted a Cormorant circling overhead amidst a flock of Black-headed Gulls. Just a few Brent Geese around. Heather picked up a few Red-breasted Mergansers a long way offshore, and just as we were leaving, I saw a very distant flock of about 50 Lapwing flying high and quite fast in a north-easterly direction. Other wildlife observations: 1 Roe Deer, a couple of Rabbits, Lesser Celandine in flower and unidentified Alder. Full list of birds (S = singing): Blackbird, Robin (S), House Sparrow, Green Woodpecker (heard), Starling, Woodpigeon, Great Tit (S), Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, Kestrel, Wren (S), Song Thrush (S), Greenfinch (S), Magpie, Chaffinch (S), Skylark (S), Dunnock (S), Curlew, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Mallard, Redshank, Meadow Pipit, Goldfinch, Cormorant, Buzzard, Dark-bellied Brent, Little Egret, Redwing, Pheasant, Pintail, Red-breasted Merganser, Reed Bunting, Wigeon, Long-tailed Tit, Stock Dove, Common Gull. Rook, Coal Tit (S), Lapwing (a very long way off but at least it brings our total to 40!)   SATURDAY MARCH 2 - 2013 - CHICHESTER GRAVEL PITS Ros Norton reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group - "Eight of us met on a cold, cloudy but dry morning to walk in the Chichester Gravel Pits area. Some of the group were lucky in seeing a Bittern fly across Trout Lake. There were over 30 Greylag Geese in a group and some Canada Geese. A very large number of Cormorants were mainly perching on trees at back of New Lake. We also saw many Coots and Tufted Ducks but less gulls than usual. Smaller numbers of Mallards, Shovelers, Pochard, Gadwall, Moorhens and Great Crested Grebes were seen. We heard a Cetti,s Warbler singing also Greenfinches, House Sparrows, Robins, Long Tailed Blue and Great Tits. Two Buzzards soared overhead. flowers included Snowdrops, Snowflakes, Winter Heliotrope, and Coltsfoot." Bittern For the second week running the Havant Wildlife Group turned up a rare bird. Their Bittern was not quite so rare and unexpected as the Glossy Ibis they had last week at Warblington Farm, but it was a good sighting nevertheless. A Bittern was previously reported by Geoff Lammas & Jude Barbour over West Trout Lake on the SOS Sightings web site on 19 Feb. Richard Somerscocks got the following photo of a Bittern in flight at Chichester Gravel Pits at this time last year. It could well have been the same bird that the group saw today. SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23 - 2013 - NORE BARN - WARBLINGTON Heather Mills reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group. Rowena led 9 of us around Emsworth (with high tide 10am today) starting at the now famous inlet where the Spotted Redshank could be seen, together with a very close Greenshank. Even when a dog appeared to hover right over the spotshank, it did not fly off! We walked the southern side of Nore wood seeing some "hairy violets", and had good views of many flocks of Wigeon and Brent. Just off the corner following the shoreline & looking seaward, we watched as a group of Black-tailed Godwits poked around in the sea, along with Curlews and Teal. A female Reed Bunting sat in the bushes here. Looking towards Hayling we saw great swathes of Brent flying, and a flock of Lapwing took off. Approx 30 Shelduck and a couple of Pintail seen. Caroline & I were the last to leave the footpath to turn in-land and noticed 2 Goldeneye. One looked like a juvenile male, as the plumage was not fully black & white. We all took a break in the churchyard and heard Greenfinch & Chaffinch, Robin, but no sign of any Fieldfares which used to be a highlight here. Crossing through Warblington church we all watched the huge pile of fodder to the north of the churchyard, which had become a feeding ground for a group of Rooks and Crows and Jackdaws. We made our way back along the side of the new graveyard and looked out for a Grey Wagtail, which indeed was foraging on an iced puddle on the north side of the path. This was to herald our good fortune as Fay noticed another stranger in the field, a Glossy Ibis. Cameras were not to be seen today in the group so out came all the phone cameras. However, I just had to go home and return, although snow was now falling & poor light. A small number of pipits and Pied Wagtails were also about. 47 species seen approx. Lesser celandine, snow drops & white nettle flowers, also seen. I looked for Ralph's hairy garlic but could not see it yet. Glossy Ibis What an amazing bird to have on one's local patch! Glossy Ibis is a very rare vagrant in Hampshire. It is basically a Mediterranean Bird. I have only ever seen them in Mallorca and Greece, though there was one at Farlington Marshes in June 2012 which Peter Milinets-Raby photographed. There were only four sightings Glossy Ibis reported in the Hampshire Bird Report for 2010. There were no sightings on Hoslist in February. One was present from 1-15 in January at Bickerley Common SU1404 near Ringwood. Ralph Hollins comments: What a super record for the Warblington Farm. In case people are not aware Ibis seem to be very scarce in Britain at the moment - up to Jan 15 there was a regular at Bickerley Common (in the Avon Valley just south of Ringwood) but it seems to have flown south to Christchurch Harbour on Jan 16 and then disappeared. The only other south of England report since then was of one at the Breech Pool behind the north wall of Pagham Harbour on Feb 18, seen by Trevor Carter, and I only heard of that as Trevor reported it to John Goodspeed and the news never got on the Sussex Ornithological Soc website presumably meaning that it did not stay in that well watched area. Currently the only one being regularly seen (and appearing on the Rare Bird Alert - RBA -website) is in Pembrokeshire. In the first two months of 2012 there were quite a few roaming the British Isles with a UK total of 30 (23 of them in Pembrokeshire) reported by RBA on Feb 2 and a flock of 5 in Norfolk on Feb 23 and on May 28 and June 5 one was at Farlington Marshes (staying until June 16 and re-appearing on Aug 11) before the long stayer into this year arrived at Bickerley Common on Dec 2. Just in case no-one on the walk has reported it to HOS I will send a message to Hoslist so that other birders can keep an eye open for it in Hampshire though I do not expect it to remain here (there's a lot of early spring movement going on at the moment) The Glossy Ibis was in the field east of the new Cemetery Extension (which is east of the Church). The map ref is around SU 731 054 Other than one reported by RBA in Pembrokeshire this appears to be the only one currently in the south of England. SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2013 -Hayling Billy Line Chris Cope reports on the Saturday morning walk by the Havant Wildlife Group. Nine of us met at the south end of the Hayling Billy coastal path. There were a flock of Greenfinches in the bushes at the start of the walk, a Song Thrush singing and a small flock of House Sparrows near Saltmarsh Copse, where two Mallard were swimming. We walked out to the shore, north of the copse and saw Brent Geese, Shelduck, Dunlin, Curlew, Oystercatcher, a Mediterranean Gull & Mergansers in the distance. Back on the path, we had an excellent view of a Kestrel as it flew low over the West Lane fields, where there were large flocks of Wood Pidgeons. There were Primroses in flower & a fungi called Witch's Butter in the small thicket to the south of Knott's Marsh. From here we had a closer view the Red-Breasted Mergansers and Great Crested Grebes, a Slavonian Grebe, a Greenshank, an Egret, Dunlin, Lapwing, Grey & Ringed Plover, as the tide came in. The water was like a mill pond, reflecting Portsdown Hill & the clouds, a perfect treat after all the rain we've had. SATURDAY FEBRUARY 9 - 2013 - Stansted Forest Heather Mills reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group On behalf of Fay who led 7 out today around Stansted. "On a cold & wet morning it was decided to keep to the road going east towards Stansted house and out towards the cottages. Very quiet bird wise. There were 4 Fallow Deer to our right not far from the gate-keepers cottage which ran off crossing the road further down and jumped the fence towards Ladies Walk. Only a few Blue Tits and Jackdaws called from high up on the beeches as we progressed. Not one Thrush seen or Fieldfare. As we made our way around two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming at each other as we approached Park cottages. Fay asked if both sexes made the drumming? The answer is yes, both sexes do drum. Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers came together and flew off towards the large house called "Lumley Croft", as we turned the corner to make our way back. A couple of Jays and Green Woodpeckers seen and heard. Although we did not take too much notice of plants, we did spot a Dandelion and Dog's Mercury was out. SATURDAY JANUARY 26 - 2013 - Hayling Island Chris Cope reported on the Havant Wildlife Group walk around the SW corner of Hayling Island yesterday. "Thirteen of us met at the Gun Site on Hayling on a gloriously sunny & comparatively mild morning, where we saw a flock of Greenfinches in the bushes & Pochards in the gravel pit. There were Brent Geese, Redshank & Grey Plover in the Kench & a Little Egret in the trees on the east side. There were large flock of Grey Plover, two Shelduck, Curlew, Oystercatchers & Turnstone on the railway embankment, a Goldeneye was seen in the bay to the east & Red-Breasted Meganser, Great Crested Grebes & a Great Northern Diver were fishing in the north. A Short-eared Owl was seen from the road on the Golf course, where Short-eared Owls had been seen hunting late Thursday afternoon. A Guillemot was seen off the Ferry point & the Kestrel was in his usual place on the Links fence. TUESDAY JANUARY 1 2013 - NEW YEAR'S DAY WALK Heather Mills reported on this morning's traditional Hampshire Wildlife Trust New Year's Day walk. "18 enjoyed a much needed sunny day to look for birds. Having done a recce beforehand with Derek, we decided to go on an alternative walk around the Oyster beds. The highlight was a very confiding Kestrel, and a little excitement of Black necked grebes with a possible Slavonian. Anyone who wishes to donate to the HWT and didn't get the chance to, please kindly see Nigel on the next walk. I am sure he will jingle his box for all to see. Bird list was 44 with one not fully identified, being the Slavonian grebe, making a possible 45." FOR WALKS REPORTS FOR 2012 GO TO . . Saturday walks - reports 2012