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Farlington Marshes and Langstone Harbour, Hampshire.
The south coast has really escaped the monsoon conditions parts of the Midlands, Northern England and Wales has suffered where some towns are under water! Today was a bit of a rest bite as most of the country had long hours of sunshine. Another mega rarity put in a show today, but the destination was York. A Chimney Swift was found early this morning flying over the town with Swifts and obviously sparked a mad rush to North Yorkshire. But not for me! Groan. I must have missed 5 potential lifers this year and it truly is a bitter pill to swallow.
I had to make do with more common fare with three Spoonbills spending a few days down Farlington Marshes near or on the main lake. I was even lucky to see them as I only saw them flying over the Scrape and head east high over the fields, never to be seen again during my stay this afternoon.
I had only just walked through the entrance gate and fifty yards along the footpath when I saw the birds heading away from me. This wasn’t a year tick but I was hoping to get some photos of three Spoonbills together. I sat myself down on the benches overlooking the lake and scanned the fields and harbour. I counted at least 88 Black-tailed Godwits in the harbour near the Eastern Road on the mudflats, until a flock took off and landed behind the Lake. At least 50 Redshanks were in the harbour and also three summer plumaged Dunlin was seen too.
I scanned the Gulls, which had built up in fairly good numbers and amongst the Black-headed Gulls; I picked out my first Common Gull of the month. This smart adult was busy preening itself and was later seen bathing on the Lake. A single male Reed Bunting flew low over the Lake and dived into the reeds and out of view. A couple of fellow birders joined me and while they were in discussion, I pointed out a juvenile Hobby flying low over the bushes area then low over the harbour heading west and putting up all the waders and Gulls. A good end to the afternoon.
A Temmincks Stint had been found today on Ibsley Water, so I shall ponder if I will go for the bird!
Left, My first July Common Gull, an adult, preening in Langstone Harbour this afternoon. Right, Black tailed Godwits in Langstone Harbour this afternoon.
