6 monthly update!

 

Turned my attention over the last few months to trying to break my Bird day record of 100, which, according to ebird is now 99! Not sure where I lost a species, but gave me more incentive to get over 100 in a day. I try to just do my own thing, and limit myself to 20 miles from home. This isn't a big deal as it includes the coast, Keyhaven and Pennington, the New Forest, Blashford, and the Test Valley. These areas have kept me entertained for over 10 years, so plenty to find, especially Keyhaven and Pennington which is always likely to give a big number of species in 2 or 3 hours.

Winter attempts fell just short, in the 90s. Short days, and finding the New Forest very difficult didn't help. Then the lockdown put paid to any further attempts.

May, however, with longer days, and the mass of summer visitors turned the challenge on its head. First attempt I got 106, and this weekend I hit 110! My route was New Forest at dawn, Keyhaven, Blashford, Stockbridge area, Fishlake Meadows, and New Forest at dusk. There actually weren't any highlights as such. I think rushing around thinking of what is yet to be seen, isn't really compatible with finding rarer birds. There were however, a few easier species missed, such as Treecreeper, Teal, Shoveler, Snipe, Woodlark, Marsh Tit, Sparrowhawk, Grey Wagtail, Crossbill, Wood Warbler, Green Woodpecker, Spoonbill, Great White Egret, Grasshopper Warbler, Rock Pipit, Gannet, Sandpipers

I suspect a total of 125 would be possible with the same route, but lots more luck. Maybe factoring in Calshot and Badminston, plus Testwood Lakes. Still 110 is a good achievement. for at least a year until I try that again!

Elsewhere, a couple of days in Norfolk got me my first Natterjacks, always wanted to see them; and 6 cranes over Titchwell, which was a good find in UK for me.

I'm also trying hard to identify Grasses, Sedges, Rushes and Ferns this year, having bought a good field guide! Good so far, in that I'm finding the right pages in the field guide reasonably quickly. The next month or so should determine how much I have learnt!