Birding Blashford Lakes

Our group met at Blashford Lakes, the New Forest Bird Group were also birding the reserve today.  It was great to see some old friends but to avoid a crush in the hides we chose to bird away from Ibsley Water.  So we walked across the road and started by watching the feeders by the visitor centre, Coal, Great and Blue Tits dashed to and fro along with Nuthatch.  We went on to the Ivy North Hide and a Jay flew across our path.  We did hope to see the Bittern that has been reported regularly recently but if it was there it was hidden from view.   

Next we went into the Woodland Hide, at first it was very quiet, we suspected that a Sparrowhawk had probably flown through and the birds were still hiding.  With some patience gradually the birds reappeared first with a male Great Spotted Woodpecker, followed by the usual tit species.  Then a Redpoll came to the niger feeder, then another one until we had four busily eating the seed and a Goldfinch joined them.  The Chaffinches started coming back in and then a Brambling arrived, eventually we had four feeding together on the ground and a Greenfinch joined the party.  The resident Bank Vole came out running round a couple of Dunnocks.

Lesser Redpoll Blashford Lakes HWT Reserve © Nick Hull

We went on to the South Ivy Hide next with Wigeon, Gadwall, Tufted ducks, a couple of drake Pochard and three drake Shoveler.  A Grey Heron flew in and the ducks took flight, even the Cormorants in the trees lifted off, they really didn't like this low flying heron which disappeared in the same direction it had come from and they all settled again.  Walking on the path towards the A338 we came across several large Alder trees a great favourite with Siskins and we were not disappointed with a good number feeding.  

As we walked up Ivy Lane I heard Grey Wagtail and it was found in the garden by a stabled horse, it was very busy and soon lost to view.  Looking over Rockford Lake Joe watched a few Goldeneye fly in, we had nice views of four drakes and two females.  Then a Little Egret flew up and then another egret but this time it was the Great White Egret.  Fortunately it quickly landed again and we had superb views and the Little Egret came back giving a great comparison before they both flew off towards Mockbeggar Lake.  Moving on we watched into the wood whilst watching a Song Thrush as a Goldcrest flitted by and showed well. We ended our walk at the Tern hide parking area one or two had a last look over Ibsley Water but only Egyptain Goose was added to our list.