Storn Ciarán is set to hit the UK this evening an amber weather warning has been issued which means  ‘danger to life’ there are warnings for “very strong winds”. Coastal regions could be lashed by 90-mile winds with possible flying debris, blown-off roofs and power cuts expected across the country. Heavy rain with flooding in front of the storm is predicted

With this in mind, I decided to cancel tomorrow’s planned New Forest walk.

Between this morning’s showers and using the hides for cover, we spent a few hours at Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve and on Meon Shore.

Many duck numbers are increasing here on the South Coast as wintering birds start to arrive.

The Northern Shoveler, known simply in the UK as the Shoveler, is a widespread duck. This duck has a large ‘spade-like’ bill. The male is brightly coloured and the female is light brown in colour.

Another dabbling duck is the Gadwall. Only a small number of Gadwall nest in the UK, but large numbers winter here.

The Teal is a pretty small duck.  The UK is home to a significant percentage of the north-west European wintering population.

On the shore, Sanderlings have also arrived from their Northern breeding grounds.