Blashford - 25th January

We only did a morning walk to Blashford on this date as opposed to the full; days walk advertised, due to only a few people booking.
The weather was mostly cloudy with a little rain. Highlights were Bittern, Brambling, Goosander, Ruddy Duck and Black-necked Grebe.

The feeders in the car park were quiet when we were there as the birds had been scared off. We spent a little while looking, but not much came so we went to the North Hide to look for the elusive Bittern..
Luck was on our side today. As soon as we entered the North Hide the people inside said “We’ve got the Bittern” and they had. It took a while to spot among the reeds, but we all had great views of it in the end. There was not a lot actually on Ivy Lake –Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Cormorant and Coot. Next, the Woodland Hide, which was a little quieter than of late, but we did see Brambling, Siskin, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and the commoner tits. Back at the car park the feeders were busier again and we got great views of Redpoll and Siskin.
Then on to Rockford Lake to look for the Great White Egret. It didn’t appear, but we did see a Grey-lag Goose with some Canada Geese there. Over to the north side of the road. From the Goosander hide we saw a flock of Black-tailed Godwit, many Coot, a few Shoveler and Little Grebe, several female Goosander, decent views of some Ruddy Duck, a few female Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Pochard and a Black-necked Grebe!
Lastly we checked Ibsley Bridge, just up the road and saw 6 Bewick’s Swan with the many Mute Swan there. Overall a great day with a great variety of birds seen.
Simon Curson