Velvet Scoters added to Hampshire year list.

Saturday 14th December 2024.

A Grey Heron standing guard over a small pond on Farlington Marshes.

Me and the guys were hoping to get our first Velvet Scoters of the year when a reported pair of females were seen off Weston Parade yesterday along with a host of nice birds on Southampton Water. The weather was looking good with the cloud actually thinning out to reveal a bit of sunshine at last. It was still quite cool with an easterly blowing through the Solent, but with flasks of coffee and warm weather clothing, it was an enjoyable day. Sadly, no moths whatsoever in Andy’s Moth Box today and so we headed off westbound.

Weston Parade, Southampton:

The Slavonian Grebe with a Great Northern Diver behind on Southampton Water.

Arriving at the Car Park along Weston Parade, a site we have never been before, incidentally; I set up a scope and got down to check Southampton Water to the west. Some of the big ships were docked up nearby including the Queen Mary 2 and a large tanker, which dwarfed the small boats sailing past. 

One of two Great Northern Divers on Southampton Water.

There was no sign of Velvet Scoters off the Car Park, but Mark Francis at Brownwich Cliffs reported the birds off there instead! Meanwhile, though we had a brief view of the Red-necked Grebe off the Car Park, the bird simply disappeared minutes later and a Slavonian Grebe replaced it. At least a dozen or so Great Crested Grebes were also swimming offshore, but more over the Fawley side of the water. Up to two Great Northern Divers were also seen here and Andy picked out a flock of waders that turned out to be a flock of 50+ Golden Plover. A Little Egret flew past close in and headed off north along the shoreline to wrap up our trip here.

Brownwich Cliffs, nr Titchfield Haven:

The female Velvet Scoters off Brownwich Cliffs.

Before parking up near the Toilet Block, I had a quick chat with Mark Francis, who was looking out into the Solent through his scope. He confirmed exactly where the Velvet Scoters were and so after parking, we made our way through the Chalets and headed off westbound along the footpath to Brownwich Cliffs.

Above and below, the view from Brownwich Cliffs looking south with the Isle of Wight in the background. 

Above, a large flock of Meadow Pipits flew up from the adjacent field to perch on the bushes by the main footpath. Below, Andy and Geoff checking out the fields.

Above, Andy looking on at Brownwich Cliffs.

Above and below, two of the three female Goosanders just off the Chalets.

We had a quick look over the Solent through a gap in the vegetation and picked out several Great Crested Grebes and a lone Cormorant, but no sign of the Scoters. When we reached the large clearing overlooking both the Solent and Southampton Water, Andy picked up a flock of duck flying eastbound and on closer inspection through the scope, a small flock of 4 Common Scoters then settled on the water. Minutes later, another group of four birds were seen flying over the sea and then towards us. Two of the birds were definitely the female Velvet Scoters (202nd species in Hampshire this year) and were also joined by a pair of Eiders. That put a big smile on Andy’s face. 

The Velvet Scoters off Brownwich Cliffs.

Geoff picked out a large flock of Eiders some distance out with Fawley Refinery in the background. There were at least 18 birds out there and were joined by several Herring Gulls hoping for a free meal. As we made our way back to the car, the same Eiders were seen flying east low over the sea and settled somewhere on the Solent east of the reserve. While watching the Velvet Scoters, a drake Goosander flew low over our heads, heading towards the reserve and as we reached the Chalets, there was a group of three female Goosanders close in on the water until flying off west.

Farlington Marshes & Langstone Harbour:

A Marsh Harrier flying over the fields at Farlington Marshes and spooking the Brent Geese.

I had to be back home by around 3pm to help put up Xmas decorations and bath the dogs. So, to round off our days birding, we decided to try our luck for Short-eared Owls on Farlington Marshes. As the main entrance is closed to the public due to the reparation of the Sluice Gates over on the west side of the reserve, we parked up at Broadmarsh, Bedhampton, then walked along the main footpath to the reserve and then up to the Deeps area.

Above, an Oystercatcher flying over Langstone Harbour and below, Dunlin and Redshank near the Marshes.

Above, a Redshank and below, Turnstone along the shoreline.

Above, a pair of Pintail close to the shoreline in Langstone Harbour and below, a Redshank just off the Marshes.

Above, there was a lot of Teasel along the east side of the Harbour Wall. Below, the Marsh Harrier flying over the Marshes.

Above and below, Brent Geese on the reserve.

Above, Workmen with their Digger ready to mend the Sluice Gates over on the west side of the reserve and below, more Brent Geese flying onto the reserve.

Above, yet more Brent Geese arriving onto the reserve and below, a male Stonechat near the Blockhouse. 

Along our way, there were a good number of waders feeding on the ebbing tide that included Oystercatchers, Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew and Grey Plover all showing well. The Brent Geese were abundant and showed very well over our heads and in the fields, though they were a bit skittish due to the raptors seen on the reserve. A Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard and a Kestrel were all hunting over the reserve in search of prey while along the harbour wall, we saw at least three Stonechats and at least one Rock Pipit. A Raven was seen chasing the Marsh Harrier as we made our way back to the car and although we had no sightings of any Short-eared Owls (there hasn't been for the past few weeks), the day was ending bright and clear overhead.