An update on our south coast goodies.

Tuesday 13th December 2022.

'Thor' the Walrus. First seen in the UK at Pagham Harbour, this superb animal reappeared the following day on the beach at Calshot, Hampshire. Photo by Andy Friend. 

I have hardly done any birding over the past few days as I am too busy carrying out some personal stuff and also being a taxi driver for my step son as there is a Rail Strike at present. The weather is still very cold, with temperatures hardly creeping above freezing, though warmer temperatures are on the horizon…..allegedly! Thankfully, the ‘Lazee Birders’ have been keeping up with all the goodies on the south coast.

The Walrus getting back into the water. Photo by Andy Friend.

The Walrus that turned up off Pagham Harbour was found the following day off Calshot beach, near Southampton and attracted quite a crowd, including a few ‘Lazee’s’ that were quickly on the scene. There was concern that the animal was sick, but it eventually went back into the water to disappear once more. This was the UK’s third ever Walrus, having been seen earlier in the Netherlands, France, Brittany and then over the Channel to Pagham Harbour. Where will it be found next?

What a handsome beast. Photo by Andy Friend.

Yesterday, a flock of 19 Barnacle Geese were found on Farlington Marshes, which I assume were wild birds along with the family flock of 5 Russian White-fronted Geese and the Black Brant. Fellow ‘Lazee’ James Cutting was filming a Jack Snipe at the back of the Lake at the same site and also had a Water Pipit briefly there too; a species I have yet to see this year. A probable Siberian Lesser Whitethroat was found earlier this week by the Chalets at Hill Head, which is a good record for Hampshire. I have seen a few of this type in the past, though it has been many a year since and I can only recall the last one being an individual we found in November on the Isle of Portland. This species is likely to be a future ‘split’ from the nominate race of Lesser Whitethroat.   

The probable Siberian Lesser Whitethroat at Hill Head. Photo by Andy Tew.

Back in my garden, the 20+ House Sparrows are still hammering the feeders every time they are topped up, which is nearly 3 times a week now. Though I am glad for the good numbers present, it is still nice to see the Blue and Great Tits coming in and also the Robin, which is also taking a liking for the sunflower hearts.

Some film footage taken by Andy Friend of 'Thor' the Walrus on Calshot Beach.

For the rarity hunters, a Stejneger’s Scoter, a recent split from White-winged Scoter, was found at Gullane Point, Lothian and just 7 miles away in the village of Haddington, a male Black-throated Diver was found. As Birdguides read, let's hope it's a good year for vagrant thrushes.