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HAVANT WILDLIFE GROUPREPORTS OF SATURDAY WALKS for 2015
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SATURDAY December 12th 2015 - Pulborough Brooks
Heather Mills send the report of this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
5 of us decided that the weather might improve enough to enjoy the sights of Pulborough Brooks. So, on a dismal but still morning, we were rewarded with good views of plenty of ducks on the lakes. Good numbers of Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler and Teal. Black-tailed Godwits around 40+. In the trees along the footpath we had at least 6 Bullfinch and got close views of some eating the remains of blackberries a little later. As we progressed to the hides on the North face of the reserve we heard the "chack chack" of Fieldfare and spotted some Redwing.
Jays were flushed along the path and on our return were stashing their acorns in an old oak trunk. Except for 3 Redpoll, seen fleetingly, there were no great surprises today, but over 44 species seen. A Peregrine decided to strike on our way back, putting hundreds of ducks up, but did not have any luck!. Marsh Tit came to the centre's feeders
SATURDAY November 28 2015 - Milton Common
Beryl reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
Thirteen of us met on an extremely windy but fairly mild, overcast day to walk round Milton Common. We noticed that a huge amount of bramble clearing has been done. A lot of it, it seems, is in preparation for the new sea defences to be created, but some of it is in areas that would not be affected by this work. Sue thought some of it might have been done by volunteers. We followed an inland track which led us to the Eastern Road, then turned right, back to the shore and so southward to the little Nature Reserve by the Thatched House pub. In so doing we passed the ponds on the right, where we saw a few birds. Given the weather we saw more birds than I had expected, and even 9 plants in flower. Here is the list of birds: crows (several together); Cetti's warbler (heard in two different locations); moorhen; Dunnock; Brent (as many as usual??) apparently no juveniles; mute swan (including a family with 4 cygnets); oyster-catchers; black-headed gulls; merganser; teal; black-tailed godwit (one with colour ring); common gull; dunlin; pigeons; curlew; ringed plover; turnstone; mallard; starlings (small flock); Shoveler; grey plover; tufted duck; robin. Here is the list of flowers: sea radish; yarrow; hogweed; Ragwort; blackberry (including buds); bristly ox-tongue; smooth sow thistle; mayweed ("sea" mayweed?); daisies. We had our coffee-and-banana break at the "spontaneous" war memorial where there are benches and some shelter from the wind. Here we saw a rat running along carrying an apple. The others didn't seem to want to count it on our list, but I do - 'cos it is still part of the wildlife of Milton Common!
SATURDAY November 28 2015 - Hayling Oysterbeds
Report from Fay DurantWhat a wonderful turn out on Saturday morning , twelve intrepid nature lovers braving a forecast of high winds and rain to view the oyster beds at Hayling Island . The weather was in fact kind to us with a calm start and good light . A good variety of waders and sea birds were seen but the high light of the morning was a Grey phalarope , quite near the shore , which caused great excitement .
A seal was seen out at sea , by some and a Short-eared Owl flew over the path , going seawards and the lucky few saw a kingfisher fly over the patch of water looking towards the bridge . Other bids seen were : Red-breasted Mergansers , Great crested grebes , Brent geese , Redshanks , Curlews , Shelducks , Dunlin , a Grey plover , Oystercatchers , Little Egrets , a Heron , a Cormorant , a Gadwall , and a good view of three Wigeon .
Very few small birds : a Rock pipit , Goldfinch , Blackbird , Blue tit , Dunnock , House Sparrow . Lapwing were seen flying but no raptors . A shorter walk than usual but very worthwhile , thanks to everyone for making the effort .
SATURDAY November 21 2015 - Warsash/Hook
Tony Wootton reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
"6 of us braved the weather today and went to Warsash/Hook. We were rewarded with temperatures 10 degrees lower than yesterday, winds gusting up to 45 mph, sunshine and possibly more pintail than woodpigeon.
We saw white campion, bristly oxtongue, ragwort, gorse, bramble, spindle and yarrow.
Canada geese, brent, shelduck, wigeon, teal, mallard, pintail, cormorant, little egret, kestrel,moorhen, oystercatcher, lapwing, curlew, redshank, black headed gull, herring gull, woodpigeon, great spotted woodpecker, pied wagtail, wren, dunnock, robin, blackbird, mistle thrush, goldcrest, longtail tit, bluetit, great tit, magpie, carrion crow and starling."
SATURDAY October 31st 2015 - Chidham
Fay Durant reported on Saturday's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group
Twelve of us met at the Cobnor Amenities Car Park on Sat morning , October 31st , for a walk around Cobnor Point . The weather was mild but the skies were grey , not the best viewing conditions . The tide was out at the start but coming in fast on our return . We walked up the road , turned east across the field and then along the coastal path . First sky larks were spotted then , on reaching the mud flats , oyster catchers , red shank , black tailed godwits , grey plovers , very good views of curlew ; little egrets popped up everywhere .
Smaller birds were seen in the bushes : yellowhammers , goldfinch ,robins , meadow pipits , wrens, blackbirds , and stonechats . Around the activity centre were mixed flocks of tits and goldcrests . Viewed at Cobnor Point were a large gathering of Brent geese and three greenshank with dunlin swirling around . Then the kingfisher was spotted , flying along the shore and later seen again perched above one of the inland pools and when it took off the azure blue of its wings was spectacular . There were mallard , black tailed godwits and a heron also to be seen . A rock pipit flew along the beach area and buzzards and kestrels were seen in the sky . As we walked back across the field , there were a flock of sparrows in the bushes . Three birds seen in the harbour were first thought to be little grebes but they had long necks and may have been black- necked grebes .There was a good assortment of flowers but those of particular interest were sun spurge , black horehound , masses of groundsel , deep coloured mallow and dogwood .Fortunately we didn't suffer Sunday's early morning mist !
SATURDAY October 24th 2015 - Walderton
Heather Mills reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group from Walderton to Stansted6 Took a gamble on the weather this morning and were very lucky to escape any rain on a dull morning. However, our morning got better as we set off up the hill to the west of Walderton towards Stansted. The stream was dry. Flocks of Goldfinch circled over the pony paddock and a couple of Pied wags flew around, whilst the trees along the road were full of Rooks. A mixed flock of Goldcrest and Long tailed Tits quickly passed through the Beech trees overhead, but although we could hear them through their contact calls they quickly dispersed. Chaffinch were feeding along the edges of the field and a Nuthatch called. We were very pleased to see a Brown Hare in the field on the left which quickly raced off. A large flock of Crows with Jackdaws and Rooks and Pigeons scoured the stubble in this field. Caroline thought that a small flock that also came and landed here could have been Wood Lark.
Later on after our coffee break on pallets set out on the field, we passed by one of our original members of the wildlife group, Sonia Boulton's previous residence and heard a Yellowhammer. On the wires on the North field beyond the cottage we looked for the anticipated Wood Lark. Sure enough there were birds on the wires, but we could not be certain of 2 of them. However, a Mistle Thrush waited long enough to get closer views. In the South field 3 Roe deer were having a lazy rest up against the hedge, until we spotted them! Turning back and taking in the views of Hayling and East Head, Caroline & I distinctly heard Wood Lark singing. We could not alas find the culprit. Plants in flower, White & Red Dead-nettle, Red Campion, Bramble, Yarrow, Shepherd's purse and some possible Common Field Speedwell. Butchers Broom had flowers and berries.
SATURDAY October 17th 2015 - Nutbourne
Heather Mills reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
Standing in for a poorly Chris, I and 9 enthusiastic participants set off in a westerly direction through the now somewhat depleted orchards of Nutbourne on a chilly dull morning. We reminisced on the Little Owl and wet meadows where we used to watch lots of Snipe and Teal with other species of duck. Many Blackbirds flying to and from this field by the car park in Farm Lane where a Grey Wagtail passed overhead. A bit early for our usual showing of Fieldfare and Redwing but a Mistle Thrush flew up from the cattle field.
As we got nearer the shore in the pony paddock on the right hand side, half a dozen Meadow Pipits were feeding with a few House Sparrows and Pied Wags. We continued towards the Scout hut to have an early coffee break and looked for Waders. As the tide was low, the waders were some distance away, so we waited for our return journey to get better views. Greenshank and Redshank with Grey Plovers dotted about among the Little Egrets and Brent. These were in good numbers all over the harbour, but the most numerous were the Wigeon in the bay back at Nutbourne. Black-tailed Godwits, Pintail and a little flock of Turnstones huddled together not far off shore. We all had good views of a Green Woodpecker who took time to investigate the trunk of the large fir opposite, also several Stonechats along the footpath with a few Reed Bunting. As I viewed the Gulls on the near shore a little roost of Ringed Plover became obvious. A total of 49 species seen.
SATURDAY October 10th 2015 - Stansted Forest
Ros Norton reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group
Today a group of 7 met at Stansted Forestside Road car park and walked along the carriage drive to Rowlands Castle and back along the Avenue on a partly cloudy, calm and dry morning.
We heard many robins singing and also nuthatch, greater spotted woodpecker, wood pigeons and various tits including marsh and long tail.
A few flowers were seen including hogweed, catsear, hawkbits, nipplewort, dandelion, herb robert, pale persicaria, bramble, red clover, hedge woundwort and white deadnettle.
We saw 1 stinkhorn, candlesnuff, puff balls, earth balls, ink caps, sulphur tuft, many zoned polypore, possibly a shaggy parasol, mycena pura, several large brackets on beech trees and some black rubbery fungus.
SATURDAY October 3rd 2015 - Farlington Marshes
Fay Durant reported on Saturday's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group
"I was quite surprised to see six eager birders on Saturday morning , at Farlington Marshes , with three scopes between them , which were much appreciated . It was sunny but chilly at first , with most of us stripping off as the morning proceeded ! Robins were seen in abundance . Neil spotted three black caps , whilst most of us found the morning light blinding . The tide was very low . We noted oystercatchers , redshank , dunlin and a curlew on the mud flats . A long debate on three female ducks , finally decided they were pintails .Looking across the lake a buzzard was seen sitting on a post , which is regularly seen there , I believe . We were delighted to see bearded tits flitting across the rushes . On the lake were black tailed godwits , redshank , Canada geese . In the fore ground was a greenshank and a little egret, whilst on the far shore were three snipe . Walking round , Neil saw some wheatears and a kestrel spread out on the grass . We were delighted with a swirling display of starlings and later dunlin on the wing . We then spotted stonechats , whilst enjoying our coffee and then we saw them everywhere : male , female and young , an incredible number ! Two shelduck were spotted on one of the shallow pools . Swallows and house martins are still around , meadow pipits and a couple of rock pipits were seen , plus linnets on the wing .
A very enjoyable autumn morning .
SATURDAY September 28th 2015 - Foley Manor
Tony Wootton reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group
What a lovely warm Autumn mornings walk. 9 of us were treated to a basking common lizard, and 3 butterflies, namely comma, small white and meadow brown.Birds were a bit thin on the ground or in the air if you prefer. A pair of mistle thrushes right at the start followed by, jay, chiffchaff, longtailed tits, robin, wood pigeon, green woodpecker, great tit, stonechat, 40ish meadow pipits, greenfinch, crow, goldcrest, buzzard, kestrel, wren, nuthatch and blue tit.
centuary, ling and bell heathers, tormentil, lesser stitchwort, yarrow, catsear, common storksbill, foxglove, eyebright, milkwort and speedwell.
The highlights though were the fungi, (Jim where were you when we need you). Earthstar, stagshorn, puffballs, possible clustered bracket, penny buns, sulphur tufts, birch polypore, amethyst deceivers, russula, boletes. Too many plain brown and sometimes pure white fungi were beyond us poor mortals. Last but by no means least well over 100 fly agaric.
SATURDAY September 19th 2015 - Up Marden
Heather Mills reports on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group around Up Marden.
"On a slightly colder morning with a bit of mist still lingering, a select band of 4 set off in a westerly direction following the footpaths. As usual we took views in on every occasion to look into the fields. Two Buzzards sat in one on the right hand side of the path and further in the distance I was amazed to see so many Red-legged Partridge at feeders alongside the edge of the field of Sweetcorn. I counted over a 100.However, as we progressed along two Red Kites flew over with another couple of Buzzards. Red legs were in every field around and in all, three Red Kites got up with four Buzzards. Picture of Red Kite by Derek
A family of Stonechats crossed our path but were not seen again. The day was now like summer and House Martins and Swallows filled the air. Apart from a few Goldfinch, the birds were a bit thin on the ground. Our usual spot for Yellowhammer did not materialize, but later on through the woodland on our return we had Treecreeper and a Marsh Tit, with a Green Woodpecker spotted by Chris and a calling Great Spotted Woodpecker, with a Spotted Flycatcher darting between the trees. Toadflax, Crosswort, Red Campion, Black Horehound, White Deadnettle and a surprise amongst the Sweetcorn were several plants of Henbane.
Brian's note on Henbane
This was a really good sighting of what is a fairly rare plant. Henbane is sticky hairy plant with a foul smell and rather sinister-looking flowers. It was introduced to Britain in the Bronze Age, but is now listed as vulnerable. Like its relative Deadly Nightshade, Henbane is highly poisonous. I gather that in 1910 Dr Crippen used a chemical derived from Henbane to murder his wife. Historically, small amounts of Henbane have also been used medicinally to treat various disorders.
SATURDAY September 5th 2015 - Chichester Marina area
Ros Norton reports on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group.Today a Friends of Wildlife group of 5 walked around Chichester Marina area on a cloudy, mostly dry day .
We entered a bird hide where a Cetti's warbler was heard but little seen.
Walking to the harbour at low tide we saw many birds including greenshank, redshank, dunlin, oystercatchers, a tern, great crested grebes, herons, curlew, bar tailed godwit, little egrets and a cormorant.
A walk around Salterns Copse revealed many fungi including boletus, amanita and beefsteak.
We crossed over the lock and walked along the canal where we saw a kingfisher hiding behind reeds where it remained perched on a rope for a long time. Other birds along the canal included a black swan, mute swan, coots, moorhens and mallards were on the water. A buzzard was perched on a distant fence post in a field. Other birds seen today included swallows, house martins, wrens, robins, long tailed tits, greenfinches, goldfinches, rooks, jackdaws, starlings, house sparrows and woodpigeons.
There were some interesting flowers along the canal including water plantain, water forgetmenot, water speedwell, skullcap, Gipsywort, fleabane, marsh woundwort, tufted vetch, hemp agrimony, great willowherb, teasel, Hoary Ragwort, stone parsley and Bristly Oxtongue.
Only a few white butterflies and hawker dragonflies were seen.
SATURDAY August 29th 2015 - Stoughton DownHeather Mills reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
8 enjoyed a simple stroll on a sunny morning into Wildham's Woods. Tony spotted a large spider Araneus Quadratus (see photo) in the vegetation by the edge of the car park. We had a very good showing of Speckled Woods this morning, some very fresh, together with good numbers of well worn Silver Wash fritillaries with a Valesina for comparison. Later on we saw Comma, newly emerged Red Admirals, Holly blues and Small Whites. Fay noticed a black wasp on the bracken but I have not been able to I.D. I thought it was some kind of Ichneumon wasp, with white bands on the antenna (see photo).
Flowers a plenty today with a good sprinkling of Betony, Gipsywort, Hemp nettle, Fleabane, Centaury, Figwort, Hemp Agrimony, Nettle leaved Bellflower, Enchanter's Nightshade, Common Toadflax, Marjoram, Vervain, Selfheal, Hedge Woundwort, Corn Mint and possible Hoary Ragwort, Wood Sage, Hedge Bindweed, Wood Avens, and last but not least, Traveller's Joy.
The birds were in short supply, apart from Swallows & House Martins who had taken up residence in the converted barn opposite the entrance to the woods. They could be seen diving into their mud nests at the end of one cottage. However, we did see a few of the usual Coal Tit and Chaffinch, & Chiffchaff , whilst Raven, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, and Marsh Tit were heard.
SATURDAY August 21st 2015 - Kingley ValeHeather Mills reports on walk by the Havant Wildlife Group at Kingley Vale
7 met on a windy but sunny morning at Kingley Vale. We took the main thoroughfare and stopped many times to look about. We were thrilled to find a Yellowhammer in the fields on the left side of the footpath with 2 more sitting sunning themselves in a Hawthorn bush with a Whitethroat sitting below them. We quickly discovered a family of Whitethroats thereabouts for us to enjoy. In the tree line we saw Stock doves with a Great Spot nearing the top of a dead tree.
As we slowly progressed along the path Buzzards were seen also, with one taking advantage of the sun. Fay spotted a bird on the wheat and it was a Whinchat taking insects from the tops of the crop, which gave us a close-up view.Further along Chaffinch and Chiffchaff/ Willow warblers were also feeding up, whilst Swallows flew overhead. Long tailed Tits were heard from the wood but not seen. We took the nature trail walk straight up the centre of Kingley and were rewarded with plenty of fungi not identified, but some possible Russula gave a clue in their colour purple. Several Holly blue seen on the entrance to the Yews, with Brimstone, Peacock, Green Veined and large White, with Small Heath and Meadow Browns, Red Admiral and one Skipper seen later.
We had a magical stop to view a gathering of 5 Spotted flycatchers feeding from the clearing after the woods. Together with more Whitethroats flitting about. Another Yellowhammer appeared to be feeding a brood as it stopped with a mouthful of food. Bullfinch heard many times throughout this walk but rarely seen. As we took our coffee break we admired yet another gathering of Flycatchers and 2 Marsh Tits enjoying the thistles. Great Tits and families of Greenfinch, and Green Woodpecker seen & heard.
As we decided to look at the pond, I thought that I had caught sight of a Redstart female. Luckily a dedicated couple from Bognor with a scope confirmed this as they spoke to most of our group about what they had seen, whilst they sat high above the pond. I had wandered back to view the main Flycatchers and by then had seen a male Redstart , and watched the former Flycatchers still in attendance. The couple from Bognor did state that end of August was usual for the migrating birds but that they appeared to be a week early. All the usual chalk downland flowers still looking lovely with mainly Small Scabious in abundance.
SATURDAY August 15th 2015 - Old Winchester Hill
Ros Norton reports on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group.
Twelve of the Friends of Wildlife group visited Old Winchester Hill on a warm, sunny and calm morning . Butterflies emerged early and in particular there were many chalkhill blues. The other butterflies seen were dark green fritillary, silver washed fritillary, painted lady, red admiral, peacock, small tortoishell, marbled white, comma, gatekeepers, meadow browns, holly blue, common blues, brimstones, large and small skippers and a clouded yellow. Burnet and silver y moths and a hornet were among the other insects.
We saw 7 buzzards together, a kestrel, bullfinches, a raven, yellowhammer, greenfinch, goldfinch, blackcap, whitethroat, young robin, dunnock, bullfinches, and other birds.
A large number of wild flowers were seen. These included round-headed rampions, harebells, common hemp nettle, chicory, squinancywort, marjoram, wild basil, wild parsnip, yellow-wort, red bartsia, black knapweed, eyebright, field and small scabious, rosebay willowherb, dwarf and carline thistles.
Thanks to the weather it was a memorable morning with so much wildlife to see.
SATURDAY August 8th 2015 - Huckswood LaneFay Durrant reports on today's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group.
Ten people turned up, including Caroline and David, a pleasure to see them both. It was a glorious August morning , just right for butterflies !
We walked up Huckswood Lane, for almost a mile, turned left across the fields to the Ladyholt tract, left again, through the woods to the ride, part of The Sussex Border Path and then left again to meet Harris Lane, which leads onto the road and back to the cars.
There were numerous wild flowers out so only those of greater interest have been recorded: common hemp nettle , dark mullein . travellers joy ,marsh woundwort, upright hedge parsley ,nettle leaved bell flower , round leaf mint Apple , vervain ,greater knapweed, greater scabious ,wild basil , poppy prickly ,nodding thistle ,field madder ,pineapple weed ,field pansy, perennial sow thistle ,white campion ,lesser burdock ,yellow toad flax ,welted thistle ,red bartsia ,musk mallow ,meadow sweet ,fleabane ,meadow vetchling ,angelica ,corn mint ,marjoram and common century .
Very few birds seen but contact calls heard . Numerous gold finch , buzzard , kestrel and sparrow hawk seen . Bull finch frequently heard , plus coal tit , tree creeper . gold and fire crest , chiffchaff or willow warbler .
High light of the day - the butterflies ! Many silver washed fritillaries , including a valezina ,a dark green fritillary , peacocks , red admirals , commas , ringlet , speckled wood , gatekeepers , meadow browns , numerous brimstones , skippers , common blues , holly blue , various whites - green veined, small & large, and a small copper .
A memorable day .
SATURDAY July 25th 2015 - Stoughton
Chris Cope reported on the Saturday walk
7 of us met at Stoughton on a cool & windy day & were greeted by Swallows, House Martins, Goldfinches & Sparrows. We were surprised to see a Swift enter & leave a barn, so late in the year, it seems that Swifts start to breed in May, but incubation can be delayed in cold weather or the young can remain in the nest for 37-56 days (RSPB Hand Book).
The long climb up the hill was rewarded with the following flowers:- Dark Mullein, Upright Hedge Parsley, Burnet Saxifrage, Wild Carrot, Hedge & Lady's Bedstraw, Common Ragwort (with Cinnabar caterpillars) Tansy, Hedge Woundwort, Hogweed, Red Bartsia, White Bryony, Black & Greater Knapweed, Nipplewort, Creeping Buttercup, Mayweed, Traveller's Joy, Spear & Creeping Thistle, Smooth Tare, Meadow Vetchling, Sangfoin, Basil, Marjoram, Harebell, Squinancywort, Round-headed Rampion, Common Restharrow, Field & Small Scabious, Eyebright, Clustered Bellflower & reaching the top of the hill Raspberries & Deadly Nightshade.
Turning left towards the Devil's Humps we saw a Blackcap, Blackbird & Blue Tit and heard Bullfinches but never managed to see them, but were rewarded with Sliver-washed Fritillaries, one a Valezine form, a Comma, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Skippers, one a possible Essex Skipper, Painted Ladies, Red Admirals & a White Admiral, more flowers, Perforate St John's Wort, Fleabane, Betony, Large Bindweed, Wood sage, Rosebay Willowherb, Common Hemp-nettle, Tormentil & lots Honeysuckle (the favoured foodplant for White Admiral caterpillars).
Returning down Monarch's Way we saw a Brimstone & a Marbled White, Field Bindweed, Perennial Sow-thistle, Silverweed, Yellow Toadflax, Common Mallow, Goat's Beard, Oxeye Daisy, Weld, Fat Hen White Campion & Mouse-ear Hawkweed.
Near the barns were Linnets, Pied Wagtail & Yellowhammers, Black-backed & Herring Gulls, Rooks, Crows & Jackdaws in a field & a Buzzard. Birds heard were Coal tit, Whitethroat, Bullfinch & Chiffchaff.
SATURDAY July 11th 2015 - Stedham and Iping CommonChris Cope reported on yesterday's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
"The day started out sunny, but clouded over for 8 of us on our Saturday walk. We crossed the road on to Stedham Common & found a Silver-washed Fritillary being chased by a SkipperAlso, Meadow browns, more Fritillaries, a female Beautiful demoiselle & Ringlets all nectaring on the Blackberry flowers, this was the best sighting of butterflies we had all day We later saw Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, a possible sighting of a White Admiral & a few Silver-studded Blue in poor condition on Iping Common on the way back.
We found Cross-leaved Heather, Bell Heather, Dodder, Common Centaury, Ragged Robin, Hedge Woundwort, Selfheal, Tormentil, Agrimony, Bedstraw, Creeping Thistle, Nipplewort, Honeysuckle, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Blackberry, Foxglove, Red Campion, Rosebay Willowherb, Broad-leaved Willowherb, Upright Hedge-parsley & Hedge Bindweed.
Common Figwort, Hogweed, Field Bindweed & Dark Mullein along the road side, & Harebells on Stedham Common.
We saw an adult Great Tit with one young, a young Robin, a Treecreeper with young & a Chaffinch in the wooded area on the Stedham side.
A raptor with scimitar wings flew overhead but disappeared before we could identify it.
The pond was a disappointment with nothing to see, but Heather saw a what was possibly a Pied Flycatcher, out on Stedham Common. We saw a family of Green Woodpeckers in a dead tree & while we were watching them a Great Spotted Woodpecker joined them. When we were nearly back to the car park we saw a young Stonechat & a Yellowhammer. Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Coal Tit & Whitethroat were heard, & a Buzzard flew by as we came to the car park.
SATURDAY July 4th - 2015 - Burton MillTony Wootton reports on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group around Burton Mill and Chingford Pond.
10 of us had a 3 to 4 mile walk around Burton Mill and Chingford Pond. The dam of the pond has been completely repaired and crossing it gives lovely views over the estate. Whilst not 100% clear blue skies it was very warm.
Mute swan ,mallard, tufted duck, great crested grebe, grey heron, buzzard, moorhen, coot, common tern, wood pigeon, great spotted woodpecker, WOOD LARK, house martin, grey wagtail, wren, robin, blackbird, reed warbler (or sedge, who knows), blackcap, chiffchaff, Goldcrest, long-tailed tit, blue tit, great tit, nuthatch, Treecreeper, carrion crow, stock dove, jackdaw, and bullfinch. 30 species.Here is Tony's Woodlark
Gatekeeper, meadow brown, speckled wood, red damselfly, blue damselfly, but really a great lack of butterflies and dragonflies particularly considering the terrain.
Convulvus, nipplewort, woundwort, herb Robert, Selfheal, marsh thistle, woody nightshade, Ragwort, foxglove, figwort, willowherb, red Campion, wood Avens, stinging nettle, raspberry, bramble, wood sage, enchanters nightshade, heath speedwell, honeysuckle, lesser burdock, vipers bugloss, mayweed, prickly sow thistle, black medic, yellow pimpernel, bedstraw, brooklime, hemlock water dropwort, a pepper which Heather and Ros had a nibble of, plantain, skullcap, common fern, Douglas fir.
Chicken in the basket, earth balls and stinkhorn.
And finally, thanks to Chris, we know the unbelievable chestnut trees are 280 years old.
SATURDAY June 13th - 2015 - Portsdown Hill (east)Ros Norton reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
Today a group of 8 met in car park near the George on Portsdown Hill. At the start it was cold, windy and cloudy but the sun came out later and we were mostly sheltered from the wind. We walked around a wildflower meadow south of the road and then around the Fort Purbrook area where we saw a large number of common spotted orchids and pyramidal orchids along a path below the fort.
There were many other plants in flower including sainfoin (near the car park), yellow rattle, birdsfoot trefoil, kidney vetch, tufted vetch, meadow vetchling, rockrose, fairy flax, vipers bugloss, common gromwell, flax, bladder campion, white campion, broomrapes, red valerian,aquilegia, ox eye daisy, dogwood and mouse-ear hawkweed.
Insects were few but we saw a couple of butterflies, a roosting common blue and a possible holly blue.
There were many singing birds including blackbird, blackcap, dunnock, greenfinch, goldfinch, and whitethroat. Other birds included jackdaw, kestrel, stockdoves, swift, and woodpigeon.
A young fox gazed back at us as we looked down into Fort Purbrook grounds.
SATURDAY June 6th - 2015 - Titchfield Canal
Chris Cope reported on yesterday's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group
8 of us met on the Meon Shore, where it was very windy, took 2 cars up to Titchfield, then walked along the canal back to the shore. The sun was shining, & out of the wind quite warm, there were Swifts & a Buzzard overhead in the car park which was surrounded with Common Comfrey. There were Minnows & possibly a Trout in the canal & we saw what appeared to be Water Vole holes in the bank at one point, no Voles though, there was a lot of Hog weed, Yellow Iris & Water-Forget-me-not along the edge, Cettis were present the whole length of the walk & we had several brief sightings of them & Whitethroats. Other birds were Reed Bunting, Blackbird, Blue tit (family), Robin & Kestral, Swallows & House Martins quartered the fields on the left, & there was a large flock of Black-tailed Godwits in a pond along with a Shelduck, Black-headed Gull & Moorhen.
Flowers seen were - Cut-leaved Crane's-bill, Red & White Clover, Dog Rose, Silverweed, Creeping Buttercup, Greater Stitchwort, Woody Nightshade, Common Vetch, Blackberry, Germander Speedwell, Prickly Sow-thistle & Wild Cabbage.
We saw few butterflies apart from Speckled Wood & a Red Admiral, but found large batches of Peacock caterpillars on some Common Nettle. Two blue Damselflies & possibly two Southern hawker Dragon fly were seen.
Birds mostly heard were Sedge Warbler, Great Spotted Wood pecker, Goldcrest, Blackcap & Wren. Thanks to Tony for helping to organize the shuttle service.
SATURDAY May 30th - 2015 - Kingley Vale
Tony Wootton reported on the walk:
The day just got sunnier and warmer as 8 of us walked from the car park, down the road and right into the blue bell woods, then a right handed circle to KV. Up the outer path nearly to the summit and back down to the information hut and along the track to the cars.We saw, buzzard, green woodpecker,great tit, blue tit,song thrush, whitethroat, yellow hammer, jay, jackdaw, carrion crow,robin, blackbird, chiffchaff, dunnock, magpie,red legged partridge,skylark,swift,swallow,nuthatch, wood pigeon,greenfinch. I missed the firecrest, blackcap and great spotted woodpecker.
Butterflies, common blue, small blue, brown argus, green veined white, speckled wood, dingy skipper.
Plants, cutleaf cranesbill, sorrel,cow parsley,hawthorn,mouse eared chickweed,white deadnettle, dogwood,shepherds purse,greater celandine,herb robert, ground ivy, red campion, bugle, germander speedwell,garlic mustard,wood avens, yellow archangel,bush vetch,bluebell,pignut,yorkshire fog,creeping buttercup,forget me not,smooth sowthistle,red clover, cocksfoot grass,daisy,white clover,elder bush,butchers broom,spindle,canicle,mignonette,white campion,silverweed,figwort, crosswort,goats beard,parsnip,rib wort plaintain,white byrony, welted thistle,rough chervil,salad burnet,harts tongue,strawberry,male fern,milkwort,quaking grass,lesser stitchwort,cowslip,kidney vetch,rockrose,mouse ear,early purple,common spotted,hemp agrimony. Phew 57 plants, many thanks to Hilary for writing them all down.
SATURDAY May 16th - 2015 - South Hayling
Ros Norton reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
Today a group of 7 (max 6 at one time) did a clockwise circular walk around south west Hayling on a sunny but cool and windy morning. It was much warmer out of the wind and in sheltered spots we saw butterflies including a painted lady, orange tip, red admiral 2 sightings of small copper and some whites.
A large number of flowering plants were seen. Highlights included green winged orchids which are beginning to go over, a few plants of the rare little robin, sea sandwort, tree lupin, harestail grass, hoary cress, Smiths pepperwort, bur chervil, eastern rocket, oxford ragwort, sea campion, sea radish, thrift, common storksbill, round leaved cranesbill, yellow rattle, common vetch and three-cornered leek.
Birds included swallows, stonechat, whitethroat and singing chiffchaffs. At the Kench were a few whimbrel, great black-backed gulls and oystercatchers. Here we were surprised to see a brown and black adder curled up in long grass. A lizard crossed our path. Earlier on we saw a pale frog climbing up a sand dune.
SATURDAY May 9th - 2015 - Stansted Forest
Chris Cope reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group
"9 of us met on a blustery morning in Stansted, walking out of the car park, along the grass verge some of the group saw a Slow-worm (I didn't) & heard a Blackcap singing, turning left towards Hare Warren, there was quite a show of Bluebells, Crosswort & Ground Ivy, we stopped to admire the 8 Cowslips ( protected by wire fencing & stout posts) that the estate have planted.
The Bluebells in Hare Warren were stunning, in places they were mixed with Greater Stitchwort, Celandine & Lady's-smock to add to the show. We found Ground Ivy, Bugle, Red & White Deadnettle, Yellow Archangel, Common Dog-violet, Tormentil, puzzled over some Speedwell & heard a Thrush singing.
We had an early coffee in light drizzle, which luckily didn't last, along Withy Place, we saw Townhall clock, Sanicle, Herb Robert & Cow Parsley.
Out on top of the hill, in the sun, on Broadreed Farm fields, some of the group saw 2 Hares (I didn't !) & some Swallows. There was large flock of Black-headed Gulls all hunkered down, facing into the wind & a Red Kite with very tatty wings flew quite close to us, & later, a Buzzard.
Returning via the cycle route, we had a very close view of a Linnet & a Whitethroat - singing & saw Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Magpie, Robin, Great Tit, Blackbird & a Yellowhammer, & heard a Green Woodpecker, Wren & Nuthatch.
We also saw Dogwood; Hawthorne & Spindle were just coming into flower, Winter-cress, Red Clover, Red Campion & Prickly Sow-thistle.
Thank you all for joining me to round off a very pleasant morning."
SATURDAY April 25th 2015 - Old Winchester Hill
Ros Norton reported on the Saturday morning walk by the Havant Wildlife Group.
"Today a select group of 6 ventured into the mist from Old Winchester Hill car park. At the entrance we were greeted by a willow warbler and blackcap song. There was a pleasingly good number of yellowhammer sightings. A buzzard was mobbed by a crow and a kestrel was seen. Among other birds were skylarks, greenfinch, long tailed tits, bullfinch, Dunnock , chiffchaff and green woodpecker. It was lovely to see 2 hares and some young rabbits.
On the slopes of the hill there were an amazing number of cowslips but few other flowers. We saw red campion, early and common dog violets, crosswort, ground ivy, blackthorn, dandelions , white deadnettles and gorse. We noticed orange fungus growing on juniper bushes. Slugs and snails were seen but no butterflies even though the mist cleared during the walk to give fine views."Mixed Warbler song
Heather Mills sent me a video recording she made at Old Winchester Hill of an unusual bird song. It started off like a Chiffchaff but then developed into a standard Willow Warbler song. She asks if I have come across this and if it learning or mixed parentage. My guess would be to go for learning as birds readily mimic of other bird's songs and this could be a case in point. This so-called song switching or song mixing is not all that unusual in Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers. There is discussion of it on the Internet with some examples of songs that sound a lot like Heather's.
See . . . http://deanar.org.uk/general/articles/wwmixedsong.htmRalph Hollins added: "I have come across several reports of this behaviour over the years and after having another look at the internet I see that the general opinion seems to be that these birds are the result of interbreeding between their parents rather than songs 'learnt' by the bird from hearing the songs of the two species when they are young.
In addition to the link (to deanar.org.uk) which Brian sent you might like to look at http://www.digitalwildlife.co.uk/artical/sandychiff.htm for a local occurrence at Sandy Point on Hayling and also to http://gwentbirding.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/theyre-everywhere.html
SATURDAY April 18th 2015 - Hook-with-Warsash
Chris Cope reports on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
10 of us met at 9 o'clock to walk at Hook-with-Warsash on a bright sunny day, which was quite chilly owing to a strong cold easterly wind.
We were greeted by a Blackcap singing in the bushes by the car park, & a of mass of Primroses in a garden in the wood. We walked up to Hook Lake where we heard a Reed or Sedge Warbler, one of several we heard on the walk, but never able to see to confirm which is was, Cetti's were heard but not seen too.
There were Black-headed & Herring Gulls, a Dunlin, 2 Sandwich Terns & 2 Turnstones, one in summer plumage on the shore, (10.48 high tide).
We found Mud Snails (Hydrobia) in the thousands washed up into a corner of the sea defense. According to Pete Durnell in 'The Wildlife of Hayling' 'between tides they burrow in the mud before emerging to float considerable distances on rafts of mucus, they can reach densities of 50,000 per square metre & are important food source for a number of waterbirds'.
Walking south on along the shore we heard a Water Rail & Skylark, saw Alexanders in flower, reminded ourselves of how to indentify Elm trees & enjoyed the scent of the Gorse, Oystercatchers, Shelduck & Magpie in the field, Swallows overhead.
In the first pond were Black-tailed Godwits, Shelduck, Oystercatchers, Black-headed gulls, 1 Brent Goose, a little Grebe, a pair of Gadwall, & Swans, while walking to the next pond, a flock of Linnets, & Starling flew overhead & we heard a Greater spot drumming, at the next pond 6 Shelducks flew in as we got there & chased each other around, there was also a pair of Teal, a Canada Goose, an Egret, Crows & a Jackdaw here.
Masses of Spring Beauty & Blackthorn along the way, a Whitethroat & Lady's smock in the marshy area plus another Reed/Sedge Warbler & a Moorhen. Back on the shore we had a close view of 3 Great Crested Grebes in the sea.
Moving inland we had a good view of a Linnet & a Kestrel, joining Workman's Lane we found a mixed flock of Blue, & Long tail Tits, & a Chiffchaff, Cettis heard again.
In the warmth of the lane, we saw a Comma, Small Tortoiseshells, Red Admirals, Greater Stitchwort, Greater Celandine, Bluebells, Herb Robert & Mustard Garlic, there was no sighting of the Little Owl but a good view of a Jay to end a very pleasant morning.
SATURDAY April 11th 2015 - Thornham Lane
Heather Mills reports on this morning's walk along Thornham Lane to Prinsted by the Havant Wildlife Group.
What a disappointing start to our walk after almost a week of this glorious Spring weather. Well not to be put off by the rain and wind, 10 of us set out on an easterly route from Thornham Lane across North Thorney. Our first pleasant surprise was a flock of Swallows gathering up insects above the road and over a small pond opposite the pumping station. Singing Cetti's, Dunnocks & Chiffchaffs & Wrens were heard, whilst overhead a pair of Med gulls were " mewing". A lonely Song Thrush made a quick appearance in one of the front gardens on the north side of the lane and Blackbirds and Moorhens poked around with a couple of Crows on the South side. Caroline took an interest in the plant life in this field as there was some deep red Fumitory growing, probably Common. Plenty of Alexanders along the roadside with Red Dead Nettle, Charlock & Hairy Bitter Cress with Hoary Cress (Portsmouth Weed), about to flower. As we turned to make our way onto the shoreline heading South towards the boatyard, the usual array of Sparrows and Starlings were about the Scout hut. Along the footpath the Blackthorn bushes were radiant with their blossom. Here a Reed Bunting belted out his song. A few more Swallows seen along the way and one very worn specimen resting on the rigging of a boat but managing to sing. As we took a coffee break Hilary was able to join us & we saw a few more birds in the bushes, mainly Greenfinches, Linnets and Meadow Pipits with a Skylark serenading us.After the coffee we progressed southwards only to see 4 birds cut across from the shore in front of us towards Thorney airstrip. At first we thought Little Egrets but then it dawned on us that their necks were outstretched. Yes they were indeed 4 Spoonbills. We managed to see them once more over on the Thorney lake in front of a large shed, but at a good distance away. Luckily Neil had brought his scope & we got another view. Tony spotted a Buzzard and we heard the Green Woodpecker call a couple of times, with a singing Goldcrest in the firs at the finish. 44 species or thereabouts seen, with a dubious parentage white duck. The weather behaved to brighten our interesting morning.
Brian's note: The Spoonbills seen by the group have been in and around Chichester Harbour for a while - see SOS Sightings. Apparently they are all juveniles.
SATURDAY MARCH 21 - 2015 - Brook Meadow
Report by Brian Fellows
Fay Durant asked me if I would lead this morning's Havant Wildlife Group walk through Brook Meadow which I was delighted to do. It was good to see the group is still going strong with some new members joining. Fourteen members plus me assembled in Bridge Road car park at 9am where I took a group photo. The weather was fine and sunny, but with a chilly wind. The sun went in as the morning progressed and it became quite cold by 11.30 when we made our way back to the car park.Before we left the car park, a Grey Wagtail was spotted feeding in the Westbrook Stream. This is a fairly regular bird in this stream, but good to see. Here is Sue Hill's excellent photo. Sue said the wagtail flew in and out of the bank just above and windered if could it be visiting a nest. That seems fairly likely as it is good nesting habitat. I will keep a look out.
We also noted the Willow leaves were starting to sprout as were the catkins on the Goat Willow in the north-east corner. In addition, Ros noted Hairy Bittercress, Red Dead-nettle and Groundsel flowering on the edge of the car park kerb.
We entered Brook Meadow at the Seagull Lane gate and had a walk around the patch. We admired the Jubilee hedgerow which is growing really well on the western edge of the meadow and the three Oak saplings which were planted at the same time in 2012. I also pointed out the new tool store which is the pride and joy of the conservation group. Looking up Des Barker spotted two Buzzards soaring almost overhead; these are probably birds from the Lumley Mill Farm nesting site.
We walked along the north path to the north-east corner where I explained the purpose of the flood barrier new wall. While we were there we noticed a Chiffchaff flitting around on the river bank. From photos taken by Sue it appeared to have quite a bit of yellow and green in its plumage, which would make it a Common Chiffchaff than the Siberian variety.
Malcolm Phillips, whom me met later, agreed with us. He later did get a shot of the Siberian Chiffchaff in the usual spot on the Lumley Path. The Siberian is an overall grey bird.
We stopped by the Rowan plantation on the east side of the north meadow to pay our respects to the memory of Gwynne Johnson who was a well loved member of the Havant Wildlife Group until she died 10 years ago. The Rowans are looking very good and always have a great crop of red berries.
We walked across the now cut and cleared Lumley area and clambered up the muddy bank onto the causeway where we admired the Cherry Plum which is now in full blossom and smelling good.
We met up with Malcolm Phillips who walked round to the Lumley Path with us where we got a good view of a Treecreeper scuttling up one of the trees around the pool.
Here is Malcolm's photo of another Treecreeper that he found this morning near the south bridge.
So we have at least two on Brook Meadow.
A Kingfisher was seen by some members of the group on a tree by the pond in the garden of Gooseberry Cottage. This was probably the female Kingfisher, with a red lower mandible, which has been present in this area all winter and has been photographed umpteen times.
Some of the group were also lucky enough to see three Bullfinches in the bushes by the Lumley Path. These birds have been around this area for a few weeks.
After a break for coffee at the main seatwe walked to Palmer's Road Copse from where some members of the group left to walk back to the car park. We walked through the copse passing a very friendly Robin and looking for any sign of Water Voles on the river bank; there were plenty of burrow holes but no voles.
We then walked back through the meadow along the main raised path where we were rewarded with an excellent view of a Water Rail scuttling around on the river bank below the old gasholder. This is exactly where Malcolm Phillips saw it 2 days ago. We have had a Water Rail on Brook Meadow since 22-Sep-14, but whether it is the same bird each time is difficult to say, but probably. Here is a Water Rail on Brook Meadow taken earlier this year by Malcolm Phillips.The morning's bird list was 28 species as follows: Grey Heron, Mallard, Buzzard, Water Rail, Moorhen, Stock Dove (heard), Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Treecreeper, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.
As for insects we did not see any butterflies, it was probably a bit too cold for them. However, we did see several large Bumblebees; these were most likely to be queens looking for suitable nesting sites.
SATURDAY March 14th - 2015 Staunton Country Park
Ros Norton reports on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group
"Today 7 of the Havant Wildlife study group did a clockwise circular walk around the lake across the Avenue to Cedar Drive and north to Rowlands roundabouts then returning along Cedar Drive and the Stables on a cold but dry day with some sun at times.
There was plenty of birdsong but the birds were not easy to see. Two buzzards soared high overhead and skylarks were singing. Greater spotted woodpeckers were drumming and green woodpeckers calling. A wren was seen entering and leaving a tree hole. Other birds seen or heard included nuthatches, goldcrests, long tailed, blue, great and coal tits, goldfinches, chaffinches, a pied wagtail, woodpigeons, robins and dunnocks. Rooks were active in the rookery by the Stables. A pair of mute swans , coot and mallards were on the lake.
Few flowers seen included primroses, gorse, butchers broom, red deadnettle, daisy, field speedwell, hazel catkins and the little red female flowers on one hazel .
A squirrel was leaping in a tree.
For those who know Pat Morrisey who moved to New Zealand, she is holding a reunion on April 23rd at The Quaker Meeting House, Priory Lane , Chichester at 6.30? (Please check nearer time). She needs to know how many people are coming for ordering food so please would you contact Jean Hildersley ( jean.hildersley281@btinternet.com) fairly soon if you are likely to come to the reunion.
SATURDAY March 7th - 2015 - Milton Common
Fay Durant reports on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
"A really beautiful Saturday morning, the best for a while. There were nine in the group at the start and ten at the finish, Sue joined us at coffee time. We walked up Furze Lane to the Thatch House Pub to see the state of the small piece of Trust land, which runs alongside. It was well cleared, very tidy with an excellent interpretation board, we were all most impressed . Out on Eastney Lake were mainly Brents and gulls. We then followed the path round to the main harbour. Looking out from the Locks: 2 cormorants, on tall posts, with outspread wings, very white underneath; at the waters edge, redshank, Shelduck, oystercatchers, curlew, Brent and gulls. Walking towards the Milton lakes, sweet violets and a bright patch of Coltsfoot, plus plum cherry blossom in the distance. The usual lake birds: swans, mallards, tufteds, coots, moorhens, little grebes and 2 teal flew in; on our return a heron, partly hidden in the reeds. A good sighting of a male reed bunting, also greenfinch, goldfinch and numerous dunnocks at coffee break. Out at sea were six mergansers and from the bushes came the sound of a number of Cetti's warblers and a water rail, not seen. Plenty of sparrows, starlings and collared doves at the start and finish, plus the sighting of a kestrel. It was noted the path was much improved, far less muddy and the benches were much appreciated!
SATURDAY February 28 - 2015 - Pagham Harbour
Heather Mills reports on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group
"What a soggy morning to be walking around Pagham. However, 8 of us did venture forth, to reward us for our efforts with good views from the old hide. We first looked at the bird feeders to see the usual Great and Blue Tits with Greenfinch and Chaffinches diving in for breakfast quickly followed by a Sparrowhawk that just missed a catch and went off hungry. An amazing number of Shoveler, 40+ pairs, many doing the "pinwheeling" as described by Sue from Baffins last walk and a lone Snipe. A very large gathering of Wigeon on the field to the right of the lagoon and on the West end a good showing of Brent. Lapwing constantly unsettled the Black-headed gulls and both flocks swirled around over the far end. We had close views of 2 Avocet that flew in, together with 6 Curlew and a Reed Bunting. Tufted duck seen together with Teal, Shelduck and a few Redshanks and the usual Coots and Moorhens. As we proceeded in an easterly direction along the footpath to try and see out through the rain, a Song Thrush could just be heard. Black-tailed Godwits were feeding in the channel along with many more Avocets and Pintail at a far distance. A greater Black backed Gull flew over and some of the Godwits took off to fly near us to give better views. Along the path Red Dead-nettle and Sweet Violets were visible, which cheered the morning with a splash of colour.
SATURDAY February 21 - 2015 - Baffins Pond
Havant Wildlife Group walk report from Sue Hill
"10 members of The Wildlife Study Group met on a lovely sunny, cold Saturday morning for a walk. We went around Baffins Pond, through the recreation area and alongside the protected area for Brent geese. We then walked around the bush area of the Great Salterns Recreation Grounds (GSRG) across the Eastern Road to the west side of Langstone Harbour returning past the Brent goose reserve at Baffins. On the pond were lots of Back Headed and Herring Gulls, seven Mute Swans, a few Brent Geese, four Canada Geese one of which has paired with an Embden. (? over the years an Embden x Canada Hybrid). Lots of Tufted Ducks, a Cormorant, small number of Shovelers - some pinwheeling, ? one Indian Runner, Moorhens, Coots and lots of Mallards. There were about ten other Mallard type ducks referred to as Apricot Call Ducks. We met Eric Eddles who confirmed the Call Ducks and developing history of the Embden Goose at Baffins. He also advised the Water Rail was viewed on the previous day - Sadly no sighting of the Water Rail or Grey Heron for us. Pond and Recreation area:- Blackbirds, Robins, Starlings, Blue and Great Tit, Cetti, Pied Wagtails, Wood Pigeon and Collared Doves, twenty plus Sparrows on the bushes in the car park and Grey Squirrels. In the wooded area we found some tiny fungi on a dead stick which Jim has identified as Marasmiellus Ramealis or Twig Parachute. GSRG:- All the above birds plus Meadow Pipits, Green Finches and Stonechats. During our coffee break a Great Spotted Woodpecker joined us long enough for a quick photo. Langstone Harbour near the jetty:- It was almost high tide but Heather spotted three Turnstone & a Redshank in the seaweed, swimming near - two Brent Geese and further out seven Mergansers. On the grass were Daisies and Dandelion in flower. Homeward:- Derek estimated 900+ Brent Geese on the reserve ( Many more had gathered over the last hour & half since our outward journey). Nigel and Fay mentioned in earlier years when they were involved with surveying them the area was packed - two thousand +). Also Oystercatchers and Pied Wagtails. Thank you all for a lovely walk and all the expert spotting."
SATURDAY February 14 - 2015 - SouthseaFay Durant reported on yesterday's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
"How lucky we were on Sat morning to have watery sunshine and very little wind . A good number turned up - 10 in all . A gentle stroll through the Rose Gardens and the green behind produced the usual selection of small birds : robin , greenfinch, goldfinch, blackbird, and a very melodious dunnock . Just beneath the model castle were two fine foxes enjoying the sunshine and each other's company ! Unfortunately we didn't see the number of mute swans on Canoe Lake that Brian counted recently; we could only make it just over thirty. There was also the usual mixture of gulls.
The high light of the morning was at Southsea Castle where we discovered 4 sanderling running around on the rocks plus 6 purple sandpipers, which had been the reason for this walk, plus one or more rock pipits. On the return we watched a gull try to attack a dead dogfish without much success - too tough. On the cricket green were a good number of Brent, pied wagtails and a meadow pipit. A very pleasant worthwhile walk .
SATURDAY February 7 - 2015 - Cams Hall
Heather Mills reports on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
"Nine turned up on this cold & frosty, but sunny morning at Cams. We started off in our usual manner looking down the channel at the many different birds on the mud and in the water. Good views of some Wigeon, Redshank and Oystercatcher and a couple of Common Gulls in with Herring and Black-headed and later on saw a Lesser Black-back. We turned to look up under the motorway bridge to see a Little Egret fishing and some Moorhen, with Little Grebe.
We moved onto the perimeter of the golf course and enjoyed good views of a Kingfisher that Derek had spotted diving from the yachts opposite in the creek. Some actually managed to see 2 Kingfishers as another flew right in front of the group. Cormorants were diving here & there but the most prolific birds were the Little Grebes. Upwards of a dozen or more busily feeding. A few Black tailed Godwits visible with Curlew, but later on going eastwards there were more to be seen as the tide came in. A female Goldeneye came close and later a male was seen but much further out, along with a few Mergansers.Dunlin and Turnstone fed on the edges of the incoming tide, with a couple of Grey Plover for good measure. Although we managed to see Blue, Great and Long tailed tits, they were few in number. One or two Greenfinch and Pied Wagtails with a Wren and Dunnock, and a very close encounter with a Goldcrest that crossed our path and pecked in the bushes. Some Great Spotted Woodpecker calls but not seen, also a couple of Chiffchaff calls. A blue & white Speedwell in flower along the main road and a first Dandelion for me. "
SATURDAY January 31st - 2015 - Stansted ForestChris Cope reported on yesterday's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group.
8 of us drove through a thin layer of snow to arrive in the Stansted car park, where light rain was falling, luckily it soon stopped, at least it wasn't cold ! After crossing the road we were greeted by a flock of Tits, mostly Great tits, we heard a Raven, a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, Coal Tits & saw 2 Buzzards. A herd of Roe Deer were seen running across a field, before we turned north, to look in the field south of Oak Copse, where we saw Redwing & Fieldfare.
At coffee break, on a log in Oak Copse, Heather heard a Marsh Tit, & we saw some Hazel catkins. In the small group of trees, just before the reservoir, we saw more Redwing, a Nuthatch, a pair of Tree Creepers & Long-tailed Tits. Skirting Lumley Wood, we saw a Mistle Thrush, Jackdaws, Dunnock, Bull finches & Chaffinches. Also seen were Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wren & Pheasant.
The snow had melted by 11.00, so we were pleased we had ignored the snow & had seen quite a few birds, thanks to Heather's sharp eyes.
SATURDAY January 17th 2015 - Farlington MarshesRos Norton reported on this morning's walk by the Havant Wildlife Group:
"A group of 7 did an anticlockwise walk around Farlington on a cold but bright day with a couple of showers. A juvenile Spoonbill was on a little island near the middle car park as we started at high tide. It then flew east and disappeared.There was a distant view of a group of Avocets over the Portsmouth side near the shore. They moved closer to Farlington Marshes as the tide went out. There were many birds on the big lake including wigeon, teal, gadwall, shovellers and pintail with several reed buntings among the reeds. On the marsh fields were large numbers of brent geese, some Canada geese, lapwings and curlews. In the harbour were oyster catchers, grey herons, little egrets, redshanks, turnstones, mergansers and goldeneye and large clouds of dunlin flying around. There were many birds around the Deeps including wigeon, shovellers and pintail. We walked back through the marshes where several odd looking Canada Geese with more white on faces were with the Canada geese and in another area was an almost white goose.
Other birds included snipe, stonechat and little grebe. A fox was seen along a path.
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