In February 2024, seven Club members plus four others from BOC met for a visit to Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve at Hill Head on the Solent. Walking by the harbour, a number of Redshanks and a solitary Common Gull were seen at the entrance plus the usual number of Turnstones within. We went to the east side of the reserve first and found a single Jay amongst the trees and from the hides, three Marsh Harriers, Black-tailed Godwits, a Buzzard, Shelducks, Great Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls and Wigeon. I noticed a strange looking high platform/table, and on closer inspection it revealed a Roe Deer carcass; a White-tailed Eagle meal table to be precise (sadly no takers).
After lunch, on to the west side, we had two Spoonbills, a solitary Avocet, more Redshanks, godwits and many Snipe. Once again, Marsh Harriers were showing well. Leaving the reserve and walking along the seafront, we found distant Eider Ducks, Brent Geese, a few Sanderling and a single Mediterranean Gull amongst Black-headed
Gulls. A very successful day with 55 species counted.
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