Tides - neaps, Hurst Point high water 07.40; low water 12.40
While assembling in the small free car park we had good views of Red-Breasted Merganser, Robin and, at the back of the reeds, a female Marsh Harrier.
A group of 15 set off at 10.00 along the ancient highway to the lower Pennington Lane car park then on to the sea wall before completing the circular route at just after 12.30.
Apart from the above, our species list was Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Canada Goose, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Blackbird, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, Rook, Carrion Crow, Grey Heron, Gadwall, Shelduck, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Brent Goose, Little Egret, Coot, Moorhen, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Pintail, Grey Plover, Curlew, Turnstone, Dunlin, Knot, Mute Swan, Shoveler, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit and Cormorant.
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| Pied Wagtail (c) Simon Vale |
On the edge of Jetty Lagoon, everyone was able to enjoy seeing a Great White Egret with the added bonus of being next to a Little Egret for size comparison.
After passing Keyhaven Lagoon, we spotted a Stonechat followed closely by good views of a Dartford Warbler.
Then, with the tide almost at its lowest, we counted 94 Black-tailed Godwits and in excess of 100 Dunlin at the water's edge.
Finally, back at the car park we saw two Marsh Harriers over the reeds, one was definitely a female but the other may have been a juvenile.