Keyhaven - 6th Nov

Highlights were Golden Plover, Kingfisher, Goldeneye and Pintail.

A dull afternoon, but at least it wasn’t raining! Firstly we had a quick look at Avon Flash, a small lagoon by the road. There were several Pintail far off and some Teal and Mallard with a few Little Grebe closer by. Further on and there were a couple more Little Grebe on the reedy pool by the road. As we watched these a flock of Lapwing flew over and then a flock of about 150 Golden Plover. They settled on the other side of the harbour from where we walk. There was also a pair of Stonechat on wires over the pool and the ubiquitous Black-headed Gulls around. Just before we turned to walk on a Jay flew over the pool.
We walked along the sea wall and looked where the Golden Plover had settled. We got good views of them and Dunlin, Grey Plover, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover and Brent Geese. On the near shore we had very close views of Turnstone and a Rock Pipit feeding. Further along we saw good views of some Meadow Pipits and could compare them with the Rock Pipit. The salt marsh had a few Little Egret, Curlew, Wigeon and Redshank on it, but not a lot else. However we saw a pair of Red-breasted Merganser on the sea – the first of the winter! Apart from a few Long-tailed Tit in the bushes and a few more Teal we didn’t see much until we got to Keyhaven Lagoon.
On Keyhaven Lagoon there were Shoveler, Wigeon, Pintail, Teal and Mute Swan. Suddenly a Kingfisher flew past, much to the delight of Barbara, who had not seen one before and was hoping we would. A little further on is Fishtail Lagoon and this was full of birds as usual. Coot were the most numerous species, but there were also Wigeon, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, a flock of Lapwing on the far edge and single females of Goldeneye and Tufted Duck. We also heard Water Rail calling and Cetti’s Warbler singing, but, as normal, didn’t see them. As we walked back we saw 2 Gadwall at the end of Fishtail Lagoon and heard a Dartford Warbler calling, but it flew to the back of the bushes before we could see it. As we walked past Keyhaven Lagoon, the ducks had been joined by 2 Shelduck. Overall a great walk with lots to see.
Simon Curson