It was back to Keyhaven today, Helen and I were off for a walk but there was also the opportunity for some birds. We parked in Keyhaven and set off towards the Ancient Highway, passing the bridge to the harbour there were Bearded Tits calling in the reed bed, but we were not able to see them.
There were Common Darter and Migrant Hawker along the highway along with Red Admiral and Speckled Wood. On reaching the Lower Pennington Lane car park we followed the west side of the Old Tip towards Fishtail. On reaching the sea wall we headed to the corner of Butts Bay. In the time we were travelling here there was a report of a juvenile Surf Scoter in Butts Bay. In the car park we had been told it was close in but as we approached the bench I saw a duck flying from the bay to the far shore and yes, it was the Surf Scoter.
I was able to get some distant shots that show the clear shape and the pale smudges behind the eye around the ear. In flight there was no white in the wing so the concerns raised earlier regarding possible Velvet Scoter were dismissed.
In the same area was a Common Seal that was spy hopping to probably see what all the fuss was about.
We sat and waited and ate lunch to see if it would return and come closer, but it seemed quite happy at the back of the bay so as we were on a walk we set off in the direction of the Jetty. The tide was high but falling and the metal work just past the Jetty showing, a Great Black-backed Gull was on one of them going through some yoga moves.
There was very little on the lagoons, the wildfowl are yet to return in numbers so it can be quiet around midday.
Coming around the Oxey Marsh a male Stonechat showed very well amongst the bramble bushes along the sea wall.
As I left the Stonechat I kicked up a Clouded Yellow butterfly from the path, fortunately it flew ahead then came back and settled behind me.
It then flew off again and I did the Clouded Yellow dance before it settled on the cut grass.
Only the second I have seen this year, but the first I have been able to photograph.
We walked through Moses Dock and then crossed Oxey Marsh back to Pennington Lagoon.
Coming up the slope we had to wait for horses coming down from the sea wall and while we did this Ringed Plover was sitting in the lagoon.
As we walked past Pennington Lagoon I thought I had a Spotted Redshank when looking at distance, but closer I could see it was a Greenshank.
With the tide now out and plenty of mud and sand exposed there were several Grey Plover.
In the lagoon opposite the Jetty there was a Black-tailed Godwit.
Back at the bench overlooking Butts bay, once again I watched the Surf Scoter fly off again, this time into mid channel and then east before settling on the water, the view wasn't much better, but I will take it.
Walking alongside Keyhaven Marsh there was a Wheatear on one of the large ant hills out on the marsh. Shame it wasn't a Wryneck :-(
A male Marsh Harrier was over the trees at the back of the marsh and slowly it came closer to us on the sea wall.
It turned and headed back but fortunately it turned once again and came back this time passing us closer.
These were the closest and best shots of those taken.
Walking back to the car park, the harbour was full of chattering Black-tailed Godwits and a few Turnstone. With the tide low on the floods there were Gadwall and Mallard, I heard a Kingfisher but couldn't see it.
Great to catch up with another Surf Scoter and also a very nice walk in warm sunshine
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