The Glossy Ibis still at Posbrook Floods.

Friday 24th March 2023.

The Canal Path heading back north to the car park.

I managed a walk down the Canal Path at the top end of Titchfield Haven around midday and despite the blustery south-westerly, the weather was bright and sunny. I didn't really want to walk too far, so I got as far as the bottom end of Posbrook Floods and then made my way back again. I was really hoping for a Hirundine or two over the fields, but none were to be seen by me, but at least the Glossy Ibis were showing well.

Above, a Great Spotted Woodpecker near the car park. Below, a gorgeous Willow Tree now in leaf.

Above and below, Lesser Celandine plants were abundant along the Canal Path.

By the small car park, a Chiffchaff nearby was in song and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew overhead and landed in a nearby tree. The bright yellow gold Lesser Celandine plants were everywhere beside the footpath and the Hazel trees were in full flower, which attracted the many bees seen on my journey. I checked the ‘split tree’ for the Barn Owl, but it wasn't there, however, it was seen earlier by one of the Lazee Birders.

Above, a good mixture of Gulls on the Bridge Street Floods took flight when a pair of Buzzards flew over. Below, a little while later, this male Sparrowhawk buzzed overhead and scattered the Gulls again.

The large Gull roost, that consisted of Black-headed, Mediterranean, Herring and a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls suddenly all took flight as a pair of Common Buzzards flew over and headed west. A few minutes later, they were up again as a male Sparrowhawk also flew over, though this bird headed low east. A few Black-tailed Godwit were seen on the fringes of the pools and I gave the wildfowl a good look in case there was an early Garganey lingering among the Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal and Gadwall.

Above, Wigeon grazing by the Bridge Street Floods. Below, a Buff-tailed Bumble Bee enjoying nectaring on the flowering Hazel. 

One of many Chiffchaffs seen along the Canal Path.

Chiffchaffs were flitting about in the Willow and Hazel trees beside the footpath and a Cetti’s Warbler was heard blasting out its song somewhere in cover. I regularly checked the sky over the Floods for Hirundines, but there was no sign of any whatsoever. Yesterday, a House Martin was seen along with good numbers of Sand Martin. On reaching Posbrook FLoods, I noticed it was teeming with Gulls, but I could not find anything more interesting among the many Black-headed Gulls. It didn't take long for me to find the four Glossy Ibis that were clumped together by the edge of the pool, busy preening or sleeping.

The four Glossy Ibis present and correct by Posbrook Floods. 

More Chiffchaffs were seen in the overhead branches along the footpath as well as a few Long-tailed Tits; but no early Sedge or Willow Warblers seen or heard. Surprisingly, I thought there might have been a Blackcap or two, but none whatsoever. On the way back, a male Kestrel (which was incidentally ‘ringed’ on both legs) was perched on an overhead branch, searching the ground below for a tasty meal, but it soon saw me and flew off north. Another check of the Bridge Street Floods revealed no Hirundines, but I did see a male Stonechat briefly and then promptly when I went to photograph the bird.

Above, Jackdaws in search of food by the footpath. Below, this male Kestrel showed very well as I made my way north back to the car park.

A pleasant walk in the sunshine was had and then I made my way back home. Hampshire finally got its first Alpine Swift sighting at last, when one was seen flying fast over the Tern Hide at Blashford Lakes today, but it did not linger. Another one was seen flying over the A27 in Chichester today as well. Eyes to the skies will be the order of the day tomorrow.  

It wasn't till I saw this on my laptop that I noticed this Kestrel had a ring on each leg. I am sure I saw this bird earlier this year.