Dunlin

The weather was rather dull and windy with just a few glimpses of sun, but unfortunately we had no glimpses of those snow buntings! 

This was probably due to a fishing competition, so the area where they had been seen was busy, however a few fishermen said they had been sighted earlier and had moved towards Calshot Castle, but after a good half hour or so searching we still had no luck.

As we walked behind the Calshot Activities Centre hanger, we saw two large flocks of dunlins crouched low against the wind on the stony beach looking like little balls of fluff. 

On closer inspection we could see quite a few ringed plovers mixed in, with a male displaying to a rather uninterested female! 

Flock of Dunlins

The flocks were then disturbed by a dog walker and put on a good show of synchronised flying as they flew out over the sea and landed further along the beach.

We then continued our walk along Calshot Marshes seeing turnstones, redshanks, lapwings, black-tailed godwits and beautiful views of widgeons, teals and shelducks with their stunning colourful plumage. 

Brent geese were in abundance, as too were black-headed gulls. 

We were also treated to a black-headed and common gull sitting side-by-side on posts so we could easily see the difference between the two.

As we approached the Fawley Power Station, a pair of stonechats kept popping up on the fence giving us good views of their lovely orange-red colouring. 

Several meadow pipits and reed buntings were also around in the grassy areas.

Once over the bridge at the Power Station, we had excellent views of little egrets, two great crested grebes bobbing around in the water, oystercatchers way out on a shingle bank and more shelducks.

As we walked back a curlew flew over and a kestrel was spotted hovering over the grassy area, it then swooped down and then up into a tree.

To complete the list, a pied wagtail, a starling and a magpie were also seen and with a total of 23 different species, a good mornings birdwatching was had by all.

Members gathered on Monday 23rd January for the Society's Annual General Meeting that was followed by a delicious American Supper.

The Society's next outdoor meeting will be on Sunday 19th February with a visit to Hayling Island looking for sea birds and waders.  Meet at Oak Road Car Park, Dibden Purlieu at 10.00am (strong footwear recommended.)

The next indoor meeting will be on Monday 27th February when we welcome John Coombes to talk about exploring the Hampshire Avon.  Meet at 7.30pm at the St. Andrew's Centre, Dibden Purlieu.  Visitors very welcome at £2.00.

Please phone for further details on either 023 8089 7660 or 023 8084 5883.