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.