A good seawatch off the Gilkicker Shelter.

Saturday 23rd November 2024.

An adult Kittiwake flying close in was one of many seen today.

Storm Bert blew in this morning with strong gale force winds and heavy rain threatening a good day's birding. I, originally, was thinking of going to Blashford Lakes, near Fordingbridge, to hang around the Hides and most of all, out of the rain with both Geoff and Andy on tow, especially that a White-tailed Eagle has popped on Ibsley Water a few times this week and Bramblings have been seen in front of the Woodland Hide. But, discussing our options, we went for Gilkicker. True, the weather was not looking good and driving all that way on the accident proned M27 put me off driving to Blashford. A Leach’s Petrel would have been nice today, but during our 4.5hr seawatch at the Gilkicker Shelter, we were certainly kept on our toes with some nice sightings.

Gilkicker Shelter, Gosport:

Two juveniles and an adult Kittiwake flying along the shoreline.

It was most certainly a Kittiwake day with an amazing count of at least 85 birds seen in various sized flocks. Most were a third of the way out in the Solent battling against the strong south-easterly wind, while some of the flocks flew right along the shoreline and gave some amazing views. Juveniles easily outnumbered the adult birds, but a fine spectacle they provided during our time there. Yes, the wind was very blustery at times and I was getting colder during the last hour there, but I think I made the right decision on making our way home before the rain really set in.

Above and below, the ghostly sight of an adult winter Med Gull passing close by.

Above, up to three Brent Geese were seen with this one heading east and a pair headed west. Below, a juvenile Gannet heading east in front of the Isle of Wight Car Ferry.

Behind us, a large flock of around 150+ Starlings were swirling around or searching as one big flock in the field behind us, which kept us entertained during a lull in the seawatch. Though a few large Gulls, notably Herring and a few Great Black-backed Gulls, it was quiet on the field, though there were a few hardy Dog-walkers playing with their dogs which disturbed the birds there.

Above, more photos of the Kittiwakes passing through. 

Over the rough sea, Gannets were trickling through and adult, sub-adult and juvenile birds all went through and to estimate how many, I would put it to around at least 40+ birds in all. A gorgeous adult winter plumage Mediterranean Gull flew past along the shoreline also heading east and a single female Red-breasted Merganser flew east low over the waves. Quickly seen through binoculars, I thought another close in pair of Kittiwakes went through east, but Geoff quickly got onto the birds and they both turned out to be an adult and a juvenile Little Gull! Fellow ‘Lazee Birder’ Andy Friend rang me from nearby Hill Head and said he didn't get onto the Little Gulls but had plenty of Kittiwakes going through. We also saw up to 3 Red-throated Divers, all single birds, flying east low over the sea, which is always a bonus. The first bird we saw actually landed on the sea, but subsequently got lost in the waves.

Above and below, up to 150+ Starlings were searching for food behind the shelter.

Above, Geoff struggling against the wind to get back to the shelter.

Our final notable sighting was a drake Common Scoter flying low over the sea, again heading eastbound; but as the weather deteriorated again, it was time to make our way back home. Another seawatch is planned for tomorrow and all ‘Lazee Birders’ are invited to attend here at the Gilkicker Shelter and with the storms set to continue tomorrow, who knows what may turn up. From the Milford Shelter, near the Hants/Dorset Border, a Leach’s Petrel was lingering off there, but not a great deal else of note apparently. 

Kittiwakes heading east over the Solent.