The drama unfolds on the shore often over food. Sanderlings feed on little invertebrates, worms and shrimps at low tide. The Black-headed gulls have worked out it is easier to steal a meal rather than catch their own.
A Sanderling weight is 50 -60 grams and a Black-headed gull’s weight is 200-400g so the gull is the bully but the Sanderling is extremely fast so they do not give up their meal that often.
Tufted Duck. Smaller than a mallard. The numbers of these diving ducks increase in the UK in winter because of birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe.
These are male ducks the females are chocolate brown in colour.
#Wordless Wednesday
Dalmatian pelican – Are the largest and rarest of the pelican species with a wingspan up to 11 feet. Once a common sight in the UK (2000 years ago). Sadly they became extinct here, due to the loss of wetlands and being hunted for food.
On a dull day, a flash of orange brightens the day. Both Black-headed gulls and Redshank’s legs colours are bright and a standout.
A misty damp morning down on the coast this morning.
Shoveler duck passing a snipe.
Lots of Snipe about today also spotted 2 Bearded tits in the reeds a 1st I have seen in many years.
A very distant Bearded Tim deep in the reeds – sadly the best picture I could get!
Link to view a Bearded Tit.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/bearded-tit/
The morning after Storm Barra hit the south coast.
An Oystercatcher gets an early morning feed on a lugworm.
On Tuesday (7th December 2021) afternoon and evening the high tide plus storm-force winds meant local flooding. The coastguard had to rescue a number of car occupants stuck in the floodwaters. By Wednesday morning the water had gone but there was damage to the wooden sleepers on the walkway at the back of Titchfield harbour, the council had been around and cordened off the footpath and swept the road of shingle and sand.
A few bird spots within the nature reserve.
A kingfisher in the reeds.
A Male House Sparrow.
And a male Stone Chat.
#wordless Wednesday
Last week I spotted 2 birds at Titchfield haven that are relatively rare and I have not seen them very often. I caught them both on film (well memory card) not that close so not the quality I like but I thought I would post as I have not posted these birds before.
Dartford Warbler.
Dartford Warblers live on lowland heathland in the south of England the UK breeding birds are recorded at 3,200 pairs.
Short-Eared Owl.
Short-Eared Owls, are often seen hunting during the day over reed beds the UK breeding population is recorded between 620-2,180 pairs.
Some more photographs of the Sanderling on Meon Shore. These were taken on the 3rd December. My aim was to catch the sea spray crashing onto the beach and showering them. These little birds rush down to the water’s edge between waves to catch their lunch often little sand hoppers.
Waiting for the wave!
I always feel these little birds are tough little fellows. If I was the same height as a Sanderling the waves would be over twice my height I do not think I would have the nerve to stand at the water’s edge as they do! I also know how long it takes me to drive to Scotland from here on the south coast but how do these little birds fly past Scotland up to the Arctic tundra to breed each year?
