January outing

Eighteen very brave souls turned up for the Lymington bird watch, at least one almost perished from the cold - me. But nice to review the experience from the comfort of home.
Forty-one various birds were recorded including a display from a Kingfisher and a sighting of an Avocet, a distinctively-patterned black and white wader with a long up-curved beak. It is the emblem of the RSPB and symbolises the bird protection movement in the UK more than any other species. Its return in the 1940s and subsequent increase in numbers represents one of the most successful conservation and protection projects.

From Mike
When Charles Kingsley wrote his appreciative poem 'Ode to the North East wind' I am sure that he was not on the sea wall at Normandy Marsh trying to look at birds. However, had he come with us he would, hopefully, have enjoyed the Avocet and the winter wildfowl including the drake Scaup, a scarce bird in this part of the country. The Kingfisher balancing on the bramble overhanging the stream might have instigated another verse. Thanks to everyone for turning out on such a cold day.

http://www.bartleby.com/42/656.html 'Ode to the North East wind'

Birds observed
AVOCET
BLACKBIRD
CORMORANT
SOUTHERN CORMORANT
CARRION CROW
CURLEW
DUNLIN
LITTLE EGRET
GOLDFINCH
GOLDEN EYE
BRENT GOOSE
CANADA GOOSE
LITTLE GREBE
GREENFINCH
BH GULL
COMMON GULL
GT B B GULL
KESTREL
KINGFISHER
LAPWING
SKYLARK
MAGPIE
MALLARD
OYSTERCATCHER
WOOD PIGEON
PINTAIL
GREY PLOVER
RINGED PLOVER
REDSHANK
ROBIN
SCAUP
SHELDUCK
SHOVELLER
STARLING
MUTE SWAN
TEAL
BLUE TIT
GREAT TIT
WIGEON
GREEN WOODPECKER