Saturday 6 January 2018





















Day 6 of trying to see 100+ species within the first week of the new year started badly, being let down by the Southsea Purple Sands despite being low tide; four Rock Pipits and a bonus in the shape of a Shag being pushed along offshore by gig boats. Nothing else but gulls.

At Langstone Bridge eight Avocets and then back home for coffee before popping over to TH where Eider and Common Scoter were quickly found on a calm sea; sadly too late for the flyby Black-throated Diver. Another showy Rock Pipit on the beach.

Other NfYs were Water Rail, Song Thrush, Ruff still in with the godwits and a distant flock of 35 Golden Plovers taking total to 101. Considering habitat visited Reed Bunting is a surprising omission.

Just 2-3 Sparrowhawks including this distantly perched bird and one Marsh Harrier and later 50+ Great Crested Grebes off Brownwich.