Monday 23 January 2012

Happy in Hampshire

The lure of two potential ticks finally proved too much, and myself and Carl C headed to Hampshire today. After a four hour drive down from Newark, first stop was Calshot, where we quickly caught up with the Spanish Sparrow - a smart bird. It showed well in a hedgerow, before flying to feeders in a back garden. Having had its breakfast it then flew off into another part of the housing estate. Just to the north, 2 Peregrines were sat up on the power station chimney.

Spanish Sparrow at Calshot, Hampshire
One down, one to go. Next stop was Hawkhill Inclosure in the New Forest. We saw the Dark-eyed Junco pretty quickly in the area that it favours around some fallen pines. These were a bit fleeting at first, and it then flew off with the Reed Bunting gang that it was hanging out with. It reappeared half an hour or so later, and gave better views. Whilst perched up (before flying off for a second time) it gave a trilling 'trillit' - reference to Sibley at home suggest this was its song, so it was good to hear this. Also in the area were quite a few Crossbills, a nice bonus.

Dark-eyed Junco at Hawkhill Inclosure, Hampshire
All in all a good day, although it seemed a shame to visit such a great part of the country for such a flying visit - all that heathland looked amazing! The long drive home was made a bit more interesting by spotting Red Kites.

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