Lakeside Eastleigh

The weather man said it was going to be a good day on Tuesday so after scraping the ice off the windscreen I set off for a few hours in the shop; the usual birdsong hadn’t started yet despite it becoming light. Along the woodland stretch it was misty in the fields and to my left a lone Deer slowly made its way across the field, which set me up with a smile for the morning!

Work done I hurried home, flask sorted and camera all ready, my destination was Lakeside near the Airport. Taking a short stroll my ears were full of Robins, Bluetits, Great tits, Wren, Gulls, Coots and two Song Thrush, I tried to locate the latter but it meant dropping down into a little gully so that was a no no. Long Tailed Tits joined in as they foraged at the top of the trees and became an unsuccessful attempt to photograph them.

The Great Crested Grebes wouldn’t come close and they were constantly heading for the direction of the sun so it was difficult to catch them properly. I just wish they would do that special courtship display! I managed to creep up on the Geese, they soon realised I was there but thankfully didn’t fly off so was able to watch as each one took a drink from the lake.

Back at the car park I was enjoying a cuppa and grated cheese sandwich when a Robin came up close, first bursting into song then some posturing, I assumed there must be a potential mate somewhere but couldn't spot it. On a stump I placed some seed and a couple of pieces of the grated cheese, it soon swooped down and enjoyed the cheese. Just then another Robin flew onto the stump but I was too quick taking the photo and sadly its not in focus. They both went off together into the trees.

With the weather these last two weeks not being walker friendly I haven’t been out much so here’s a few from Tichfield Haven reserve. Around the centre’s feeding station I was pleased to see the Reed Buntings still around, I had seen them there is previous weeks but the light has been too dark to get a reasonable photo. The male, that’s the one with the Blacker head, was not alone and two other males were vying for the female present, not sure which one won but they are nice to see.

Spring is definitely in the air as I took a gentle stroll into the reserve itself, two Robins were playing the ‘chase me’ game, then one stopped on a fence post close by and proudly showed off to the on looking Robin in the background. I have no idea which is male or female but either way it was nice to witness.

Back at home the ever present Starlings were doing their usual fighting amongst themselves; this feisty one with the bigger opening managed to keep the others at bay till it was sufficiently full. There are so many Starlings around here and as yet I haven’t discovered just where they roost. It would be nice if the did the murmurations close by. It’s such a shame they are declining in numbers.

This Greater Spotted Woodpecker was very close to the kitchen door and searching under the bark for grubs, the shot isn’t too good as I had to take it from behind the kitchen window, going out would have just scared it away.