Some superb birds in Hampshire today.

Wednesday 10th April 2024.

The Whooper Swan at Oxey Marshes today. Photo by Andy Friend.

The bad news is that the only bird of note I saw today was a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying near my house in Southsea around midday. The good news is that there was a selection of very good sightings in Hampshire today and there were plenty of ‘Lazee’s’ and ‘Hampshire listers’ on the chase for them. Sadly, there was no sign of yesterday's Hoopoe over in Eastleigh, but with a Stone-curlew found at Castle Shore Park, a Whooper Swan at Oxey Marshes and a Great Grey Shrike and a few Grasshopper Warblers singing at Bransbury Common, there was obviously a good day for birding. Best of all, a male Collared Flycatcher briefly seen just north of Fleet, flew in front of a birder while driving along Castle Bottom. It was seen to fly off into woodland but the birder failed to relocate the bird. It is most certainly a good start to Spring and I am wondering what else lies in wait for us expectant Hampshire birders? 

Above, the Hoopoe seen yesterday in Eastleigh and below, a Nightingale singing at an undisclosed site in Hampshire. Both photos by Pete Appleton.

Above, the Information Centre at Farlington Marshes. The heavy rainfall has resulted in a lot of areas being flooded, especially on this reserve.