Warm spot in front of Calshot fort

First viewing of Brent Geese

December Calshot bird walk.

11 of us despite many layers of warm clothing shivered in the bitter cold at the end of Calshot spit wondering what we were doing there. Two hours later and we felt it was worthwhile. The sun came out and warmed us as it slowly cleared the morning mist. Our first sighting was the arrival of several Brent Geese as they gracefully landed like circling bombers onto the mud flats left revealed by the low tide. In total we saw 25 species of birds. Mike�s telescope gave a clear view amongst others of a giant among waders, the curlew, unmistakable with long bill and legs.

Note from Mike
Perhaps the 'bird of the day' was a scarce Great Northern Diver busily diving for food off the Calshot Cats slipway as it moved away westwards although the superb Teal group whose combination of colours was beautifully illuminated by the welcome mid-day sunshine also impressed us all.