Spitfire SM520 was built by Vickers Armstrong at their Castle Bromwich factory in 1944 as a single seat Mark H.F.IXe high level fighter and delivered to the RAF on 23 November of that year. With the war in Europe coming to an end she was placed in storage until 1948 when she was sold to the South African Air Force.
After a major flying incident, SM520 was scrapped but was saved and went into private ownership. Later she was converted to a two-seater.
Sometimes by the sea, the bird spots are not just coastal birds today, it was good to see both a Dartford Warbler and a Yellow Wagtail.
Turn the other way and a sea view shows a Pilot Launch heading out to meet an incoming freighter.
An example of coastal erosion at Baton on Sea on the edge of the New Forest.
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.
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 –
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 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!
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.
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.
Something I rarely see is a Great Crested Grebe in flight.
Return to the River Hamble.
Here on the coast on the South Coast, we are lucky that there are great places for wildlife the area is rich in waders and wildfowl. Yesterday we walked from Warsash along the River Hamble to Bursledon and back an easy walk along gravel paths (about 2 miles each way). This part of the river is tidal with exposed mud at low tide and with areas of reedbeds. The stretch is used for more small pleasure crafts in the central chancel. Seals frequent this area but I have yet to spot one!
Little Egret.
Brent Geese.
Soon these birds will be leaving our shores for their breeding grounds they have wintered here in the UK due to our milder winter. There are two populations those with dark bellies we get here, while those with pale bellies can be found in the North East. Brent geese gather in large flocks of hundreds of birds ready to return North to nest in northern Russia and Siberia. Unlike Canada geese, they do not fly in tight ‘skeins’ (V-s)
Below gathering photographed last week.
Black-tailed Godwits – these are a large wader they are a Schedule 1 species. In summer, they have bright orangey-brown chests and bellies, while in winter they’re more greyish-brown. The 1st picture shows how camouflaged these birds are despite appearing very colourful.
Curlew are another large Wader and in fact, is the largest European wading bird they are similar to the Brent goose in size.
MHI Vestas, employs around 50 people at the former Fawley Power Station site. The company brings wind turbine blades to Fawley by special boat. The blades are manufactured on the Isle of Wight, where more than 700 people are employed. Each blade is 262 feet long. They are stored at Fawley after being finished and painted. They are then taken by sea to Portsmouth where they are then taken on to their wind farm sites.
Continued Reflections from my World. 