We pick up at Titchfield Haven, where we were searching for some Black-necked Grebes...
We started by the chalets where two Black-necked Grebes had been reported. After a while searching there with no sign, we decided to move on and walked around towards the harbour. A few Great Crested Grebes were about, along with Black-headed Gulls, Ruddy Turnstones, Mute Swans and a juvenile Common Gull.
Still with no sign of the grebes here, we walked on and up onto cliff road to get a higher vantage point, but to no avail. Many gulls were around, and a Dunnock was happily singing its heart out in the sun.
After a while looking about, we went back down the steps, passing the harbour, where a few Ruddy Turnstone still were, again and made it back to the van, where we sat for a while having lunch.
After a bit of deliberation, we decided to head over to Whitely Pastures and Botley Woods, with not much else to look at here.
I've never been before, so I was looking forward to seeing what it was like. We arrived and walked in, immediately hearing a Firecrest calling from some trees. A few Blue Tits were around, along with a Chaffinch that flew over.
It was, in truth, quite an incredible place. Situated right outside a brand new estate, once inside the woods, you feel as though you could be hours and hours from any civilisation. Really cool.
We had, as mentioned before, something we needed to do whilst we were here. Whilst we were completing our task, I heard a large rustling of leaves behind us. I swivelled round. What met my eyes was a bit of a shock to my system.
I couldn't believe it. There, flying away, was a medium-sized brownish bird with a noticeable beak. Indeed, this was a Woodcock. Wow! Feeling slightly shocked at the sudden appearance of a bird I've missed by mere minutes so, so many times, I was speechless. What an incredible bird. I didn't manage any photos, as the sighting was so brief, but I couldn't care less. To be honest, it was a very weird experience. Just going about doing normal stuff, and out of nowhere, bang! A lifer! Number 217 on the British list. Incredible! What a start to March! Yeaaaahhhhh!
I still feel really excited. I'm sure you can tell...
We walked around for a while longer, keeping our eyes out for things, but only a Nuthatch was noted. After feeling as though we had done sufficient birding, we headed back to the exit and went back home.
Well, a slightly weird encounter kicking March off, but a brilliant one all the same! Just goes to show that anything can turn up at any time, at any place. I'm feeling very, very tired at the moment and am writing this up wayy later than I should be, really, but oh well. Apologies for the lack of much content on this post; it was just a bit of a weird one, with just a crazy 5 seconds making the whole trip interesting! All the same, hope it was enjoyable to read:) Good night all.
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