by Roger and Rosalind Stanley
Titchfield Haven can always be relied upon to fill the 'Bird Watchers' note book at any time of the year, and our visit was no exception! With at least 50 different species sighted it makes it seem that all the birds we could possibly see in that area were seen.
On arrival in bright somewhat blustery conditions with the tide half in or was it half out, Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Snipe, Herring, and Great Black-backed Gulls were quickly picked out feeding along the littoral line, by the keen eyes of the experienced members.
The first hide en route was the Meon Hide from which we could add Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet, Lapwing, Snipe, Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, Teal, and, as I was reliably informed, an immature Shelduck. The battery of telescopes revealed a distant Kestrel and, would you believe, a 'juvenile female’ Marsh Harrier. Moving on and round the lake I should mention sightings of the ubiquitous Dunnock, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Canada Geese, Cormorant, Mallard, Heron, Moorhen and Coot.
No mid Summer would be complete without the low flight of Martins and Swallows feeding over the water, but seeing several Little Egret helped the Haven to live up to expectations. Moving to the West Hide, Willow and Garden Warblers were in evidence, flitting in the cover of reeds and bushes and possibly Reed Bunting also. Those with experienced hearing could add the sound of the Cetti’s Warbler to their tally.
For the more fastidious members of our party the distant sighting of a Buzzard must not go unmentioned and for the sake of completion Magpies, a Crow or two, Green Woodpecker, Chaffinch, Robin, Wren, Pied Wagtail and yes, Starlings, along with Long Tailed, Blue, and Great Tit in various modest numbers must be listed.
To top of the day a 'charm' of Goldfinch, a Sparrowhawk, three Whitethroat, a Hobby, albeit somewhat distant for those of us still telescopically challenged, and the pundits declared sighting a Mediterranean Gull. What more could anyone wish for! Yes, you have guessed it cream cakes and tea at the Haven Centre Café!
If I have failed to note every bird that each member of the party identified then my apologies, but this is my 'maiden' article for the Newsletter.