Author: Andy Finnegan

Movements.

/ Andy Finnegan / 2 Comments

Longshore drift is a geological process that involves transporting sediments such as single and pebbles along a coast parallel to the shoreline. It is dependent on the angle of the incoming wave direction. Incoming wind squeezes water along the coast, which generates a water current which moves parallel to the coast. Longshore drift is the sediment moved by this longshore current. This current and sediment movement occurs within the surf zone. 

Longshore drift has happened along Meon Shore over the years I have watched the shoreline change with shingle spits changing and growing and the beach make-up changes as the shingle size changes. Wooden groins slow the currents and help stop erosion. The small harbour at Titchfield Haven entrance gets blocked up as stones and sand get dropped in that area as the currents slow and can not hold their weight as they slow. This week the sailing club has been moving the shingle back from the harbour mount to fill in the area on the spit that is being eroded with it.

A day out is not complete without some nature watching.

New month, a new bird.

/ Andy Finnegan / 2 Comments

There were 2 Little Gulls at Titchfield Haven this morning – I have seen a few social media posts popping up of this small gull along the South Coast. Someone near the entrance one of the volunteer wardens said there were 2 Little Gulls among the Black-headed gull at the far side of the lagoon I did not hold out much hope in spotting these small gulls a bird I had never seen before.

However, these birds stood out from the other gulls and flew much more erratically – more like Terns. Once seen not forgotten. Moving to a hide further inside the reserve a good view of these gulls was possible.

Some Facts about the Little Gull. from RSPB –

  • UK passage200-700 (spring)
  • UK wintering400-800
  • Wingspan 70 – 78cm {A Black-headed Gull has a wingspan of 100-110cm}
    100-110cm

This small gull in summer the adults have black heads, while young birds have a black mark on each. In flight, adults show a pale grey upper wing, with no black wingtips, and a very dark grey underwing. 

They have a diet of Insects and fish. The picture below shows this bird had caught a small fish, I think due to their diet it explains why they fly and behave like a tern although they do not dive under the water.

Above and below the 2 different Little Gulls in flight.

Avocet season.

/ Andy Finnegan / 1 Comment

Avocet season has started their numbers are increasing in the South of England. At Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve, this is also the case and they are pairing up although conflicts for space are commonplace.

Avocet minding one’s own business then Mr Black-headed Gull takes offence, poto-session of Avocets over!

Humbugs.

/ Andy Finnegan / 10 Comments

Since last week the Great Crested Grebes have hatched and left the nest. They are now riding on the back of the parent bird, while the other parent is catching small fish that he passes to the young Humbugs.

Rainy Days.

/ Andy Finnegan / 3 Comments

Poor weather {again} with high seas and excessive rain here on the Solent and Southampton Water. This mornings bird watch was taking cover within one of the bird hides at Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve. Not many visitors today and as the weather deteriorated the reserve closed at lunchtime for safety reasons.

Northern Shoveler – the film catches these ducks using their large bills to filter water for their food.

Shovelers are surface-feeding ducks with huge spatula-shaped bills.

  • UK breeding birds 1,100 pairs
  • UK wintering 19,500 birds

Like many duck breeds the female is a fairly “brown” bird whereas the Drake is colourful with his dark green head white breasts and chestnut flanks making him very handsome.