As the gloom lifted it was possible to see across the field to the north of the car park, there were several cattle about and in amongst them was a white bird which had to be the recently reported Cattle Egret.
Once Ian had arrived we kitted up and walked into the field using the hedgerow as cover to get a little closer. Having seen hundreds of Cattle Egrets as long ago as two weeks while on holiday in India, it did seem a little strange photographing just one in the rain here in the UK, but despite the fact that their numbers are increasing, they are still a good bird to start the day.
It flew around on several occasions, choosing to settle back with the cattle.
Staying close to the cows, as they grazed the grass.
One bird in the bag we set off across the old tip heading towards the sea wall, and then to the left past Butts. It was raining, but not too hard, enough though to mean the camera had to be covered. On the wall there were Rock and Meadow Pipits, and on the water were plenty of Wigeon and Teal, the whistles of the wigeon adding to the gloomy conditions.
As we walked along onto the lagoon alongside Oxey Marsh I pointed out to Ian a small wader feeding belly deep in the water, the Grey Phalarope that has been present for some time this autumn. There have been several birds about since September, and as is the case with phalaropes they have all been very confiding. All of those we missed for various reasons, so today was really our last chance, and we were in luck.
Initially we photographed from the top of the sea wall.
But then took the chance to walk down and get close and low on to the bird.
It behaved with out and concern over our presence, moving into the calmer and shallower water.
Normally I have seen them swimming or belly deep, and spinning in the water, but the lagoon here was quite shallow and its feeding behaviour became like that of a wader.
It then flew away from us, and settled further along in the lagoon. We were able to once again get down low, and wait until the Phalarope came close.
We left the Grey Phalarope feeding close in and walked on. One of many Curlew that were about fed in the sea weed on the tide line.
At the far end of Oxey Marsh a female Red-breasted Merganser fed in the company of a Black-headed Gull.
We decided to turn around and walk back towards Butts Bay. Another Curlew was in the water just offshore.
On the other side of the wall a male Shoveler was looking superb in the grey water.
The bramble and hawthorn bushes were busy with small birds and always worth a look for Dartford Warbler, they were not there but Ian found a Kingfisher in the bush.
There were plenty of Turnstone feeding on the tide line as we passed the jetty, and in amongst the many Turnstone, Ian found a single Purple Sandpiper.
An unexpected find, and even the more special as we had been talking about missing out on them so far this year. It was flighty, and moved away from us with the same Turnstone to settle a little further on, feeding in another pool.
It continued to stay just ahead of us, but did settle to allow me to get down the side of the wall.
Then it was gone, flying into Butts Bay and lost to sight.
On Fishtaill there were good numbers of duck. A smart drake Wigeon.
Two pairs of Tufted Duck
And my favourite the Pintail.
Great having them back in full plumage.
A Lapwing roosted on the edge of the small island throwing a nice reflection.
While there were several Reed Buntings on the path and feeding on the saltmarsh.
A Grey Heron stood out against the dark green background of the marsh at the back of Fishtail, its posture and expression providing a good description of the morning conditions.
Overhead Pintail flew out to the Solent from Keyhaven Lagoon.
On the beach as we walked around toward the marina, there were plenty of Brent Geese feeding at the edge of the water, and on the beach itself was a superb Raven.
We were able to get closer.
As we watched this one, its partner flew above calling.
At the car park we found the reported new hide, which looks out over the Pans. It has been made into a nice little area, and as we stood talking saw two Kingfishers, one flew over the reeds, while another fished from the overhead wires, similar behaviour to those on India.
We walked back to the car park along the Ancient Highway, a male Stonechat appeared in the bushes, and pleaded to be photographed.
After lunch we headed into the New Forest, and Mark Ash Wood. This is a location we only visit in spring, mainly in the hope of seeing Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, today though the target was some sizeable finch flocks that had been reported. Our journey there took us along the ornamental drives, and the colour in the trees as we drove through the forest was incredible. On arrival at Mark Ash it was also quite spectacular.
Having left the car the rain returned, and was the heaviest of the day, so we sort shelter under the trees. When it eased we walked north from the car park. When we found birds they were mostly Tits, with Coal Tits seemingly everywhere, flying up out of the leaf litter. Ian was fortunate to catch a glimpse of a Hawfinch, but it eluded me.
Despite the tits there was little else so we walked back and crossed the road, heading south. Again some amazing colours.
Looking into the wood the fallen leaves providing the perfect carpet.
After about 200 metres, we came across birds on the ground, at first more Coal Tits, but then Chaffinches and finally the bird we were hoping to find the Brambling. All the birds were very cautious and would fly up from the leaves and bracken as we walked slowly towards them. I did manage to pick out a male feeding on the crest of the hill, it was though very dark.
As we walked closer more birds would appear.
A Treecreeper distracted us for a moment from the many finches on the ground.
We followed the birds, as they came off the ground in their hundreds, mostly Chaffinches, but with good numbers of Brambling too. There were also the highest number of Coal Tits I have ever seen in one place.
It was quite a spectacle as the birds just flew up from the ground in huge flocks, and then when we stopped in a clearing we watched birds flying into the tree tops from all over, they just seemed to keep coming.
We walked on enjoying the sight, and also taking in the forest colours.
In an Alder there was a good flock of Siskin, at first I thought there were Redpoll too, but was mistaken.
We realised that we had walked in a circle following the flocks, and had ended up the spot where we had first seen the flocks earlier. You had to scan the leaf litter to find the birds, but even then it is hard to pick them out.
Then you walk a little closer, and the flocks burst from the leaves, here mostly Brambling.
The we managed to find a female that was too busy eating a beech seed to worry about us.
And they are a bit big to eat quickly.
Time was moving on, and the skies were clearing. We wanted to see if we could find the reported Hen Harrier at Black Gutter Bottom so left the finches to their feeding and set off.
On arrival the skies at clouded over again, and there was some drizzle in the air. Not the best of views when we reached the bottom of the gutter.
As we attempted to cross the stream that was swollen by the days rain, we were alerted to a harrier on the ridge.
It was a male, you can see the grey plumage with the black wing tips despite the gloom.
It drifted along the ridge and then out of sight. We cross the stream and walked up to Leaden Hall. We were informed that it had been seen again, but despite waiting it didn't reappear. As the gloom set in once again we decided to walk back in the hope it may appear in the gutter. But all we did see was a single Fieldfare flying over.
An excellent day despite the weather with some really good birds
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