Pennington Marshes - Long-billed Dowitcher
The plan today was to head down to Pennington Marshes - a bit of a drive but thoroughly worth the effort. The place looked magnificant - the light was brilliant, that was faintly softened by a subtle aquatic haze that just made the surroundings look perfect. The walk along the Solent Way trail was just so relaxing, we were both enjoying the convivial surroundings.
Of course there was avian interest here, the pools were filled with wildfowl, mostly Teal and Wigeon, and a few Pintail more than making up the numbers. On the Solent side, the tremulous call of the Dark-Bellied Brent Goose could be heard against mirrored waters. There were plenty of common waders here too, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Curlew and Oystercatcher on a receding tide.
Of course I can't deny that the Long-Billed Dowitcher was a target today that was picked up without fuss on the Jetty Pool, roosting peacefully in the company of Teal, Redshank, and Common Snipe.
It then preened for quite a while showing off its almighty dark bill, broad white supercilium and diagnostic green legs.
We then continued round the 'red' trail, back to the car and headed to the Filly Inn for an immense Sunday roast.
Of course there was avian interest here, the pools were filled with wildfowl, mostly Teal and Wigeon, and a few Pintail more than making up the numbers. On the Solent side, the tremulous call of the Dark-Bellied Brent Goose could be heard against mirrored waters. There were plenty of common waders here too, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Curlew and Oystercatcher on a receding tide.
Of course I can't deny that the Long-Billed Dowitcher was a target today that was picked up without fuss on the Jetty Pool, roosting peacefully in the company of Teal, Redshank, and Common Snipe.
Arguably a nicer bird to see was the juvenile Spoonbill that fed on Pennington Lagoon and close in to the main path totally disregarding the onlookers as it stomped around the pool with a Little Egret.
We then continued round the 'red' trail, back to the car and headed to the Filly Inn for an immense Sunday roast.
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