Locks Heath

Bird Watching reports

Hi Birders

Our meeting last month was at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve near Ringwood and was well- attended by 12 members.
First port of call was the Tern Hide by the carpark. The overcast skies did little to aid spotting birds who seemed to favour the far side of the lake!
A few Coot and Mallards ventured closer along with a Great Crested Grebe and good views were had of a pair of Great Egrets giving an aerial display.
In the distance could be seen a group of Egyptian Geese, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Lapwing and Ringed plover. A Red deer also made an appearance on the far bank.

The walk to the Woodland Hide produced several patches of colourful toadstools and the feeders were popular with Goldfinch, several species of Tit, Nuthatch, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
At the South Hide overlooking ivy Lake we saw cormorant, mute swan, Tufted duck, Wigeon and Gadwall, among others.
Photos attached with a list of sightings
Lunch was enjoyed at The White Hart Inn at Poulner. This was our first visit to this pub and finding it almost empty was an initial concern, but the food was good, hot and served to all at the same time by pleasant staff.

Our meeting this month will be on Wednesday 24th November at Warsash.
Please meet in the carpark outside The Rising Sun pub, Shore Road, Warsash SO31 9FT at 10.00am
Tides permitting, we shall walk south towards the Naval College and beyond to look for waders and shore birds.
Thanks to Fareham council for introducing parking charges for coastal parking, we will have to get used to paying £1 per hour in future, so car sharing if possible makes sense.

Lunch at The Rising sun, please let me know by Monday 22nd if you are coming and I shall book tables.

Hope to see you all there

Derek