Seven members met at the beginning of the cycle path in Thorley Road for a walk led by Toni Goodley to Barnfields. We were very fortunate as the threatened rain held off until towards the end of the walk. Our first stop was the flooded area on Rofford Marsh where we saw both Black-headed Gull and Herring Gull, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Moorhen and a Little Grebe. There were also 28 Canada Geese and a smart male Pintail. We noted four Cetti’s Warbler singing; in fact they were very persistent. Claiming territory perhaps? A flock of some 30 Snipe rose from the reed beds on Roffords and flew off towards the west. There were also a couple of Black-tailed Godwit but by the time we arrived at the W Yar we saw a large flock of them feeding on the estuarine mud. Two female and a male pheasant were also lurking by the hedgerow at the back of the marsh. Along the cycle path were Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, House Sparrow and a Bullfinch was heard calling.
Along by and on the river were Cormorant, Redshank, Mute Swan, Great Black Backed Gull, Curlew, Dunlin and Oystercatcher. A flock of about 50 Lapwing were flying about. Brent Geese were on the river marsh and at Barnfields amongst the Wigeon and Teal was one Greenshank.
In all 41 species were noted during the course of the morning. We ended up having a hot drink at ‘Off the Rails’. Jackie Hart
