25th January 2008

Thirteen of us had a nice day for our visit to Blashford lakes although it was cold. A lot of excitement with the local twitchers as a Bittern is in residence amongst the reeds. After a vain attempt to pick out the broken bulrush that led directly to seeing the Bittern I gave up but I did see in somebody's telescope camera a digital image. Even then it was hard to make out as it was well camouflaged.
The hand propelled bike caught my attention and thought worthwhile to capture.




From Mike
Our visit to Blashford Lakes was blessed with a fine, comparatively mild day but once again we ran out of time. An early look from the North Hide failed to produce a Bittern sighting but we had superb views of a showy pair of Siskins en route and again from the Woodland Hide which allows such close viewing of many species , eg. Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Robins and Dunnocks, a glimpse of a female Brambling and fine views of Song Thrush, Nuthatch and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
A return visit to the North Hide enabled most members to get some brief snatches of the so secretive Bittern, of which only about 30 pairs breed in Britain. From the newly opened Goosander Hide we duly saw two of them, together with many other species of surface-feeding and diving ducks including a few Goldeneye and Ruddy Duck. Also noted at long range was one of the two long staying Black-necked Grebes.
Overall, a very enjoyable morning (with our species total about 50) and several members commenting what an excellent facility has been provided by the Hampshire and I.W. Wildlife Trust in conjunction with the New Forest D.C. and the local water authorities.
Our next meet at the Lymington Baths car park on Friday 29 Feb 2008 at 10am.
Regards, Mike