February at Lymington

Lymington Marshes lived up to its reputation with very cold winds once you left the boatyard and came out on to the walkways that overlooked the old salt producing areas and the sea. Fourteen of us though braved it and we did enjoy it especially when we got back. We saw forty-four species of birds.

From Mike
We had a cool, grey day for our walk along the Normandy Marsh sea-wall and an increasing west wind reminded us that indeed 'The wind calls the tune' as it dominated our stops to look at the waders and wildfowl.
As usual here, there were good numbers of Brent Geese and we had some rewarding views of Teal, Wigeon and especially the elegant Pintails feeding and resting in the defunct salt pans. Small numbers of a variety of waders ( including a Greenshank and some typically confiding Turnstones ) exploded into perhaps a thousand Dunlin when a Buzzard drifted over Oxey Lake. We recorded at least 45 species in total.
Our next visit is to Stanpit Marsh on Friday, 28 March 2008. Meet at the Stanpit car park at 10am.

Regards, Mike.