
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.





Great shots Andy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stay safe and dry, Andy. I suspect the wildlife will take cover, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing these lovely ducks. Stay safe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite a few different and unique ducks you’ve captured Andy, plus your favorite little cute Sanderlings. That horrific wind velocity is worrisome – hope you come out of this safely with no damage to your home or loss of power and it does not wreak havoc at the Titchfield Haven.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Linda. Seems agest since I last watched Sanderlings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I thought the same thing Andy. I hope you weathered the storm okay. A local meteorologist I follow said the storm has moved on from England and earlier today was in France, Belgium and the Netherlands with wind gusts in some places had exceeded 100 mph/160 kph. Very scary weather these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
all ok here thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great news Andy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, so many kinds of birds!! Please stay safe with the storm…just wild how strong the winds will be.
LikeLiked by 1 person