Winter 2024 Update: Nice Weather for Ducks?

 



Even in my most optimistic moments it has been hard to find anything positive to say about the Hampshire weather this winter. Apart from a brief cold snap in mid-January the theme has been universally mild and wet. So wet, in fact that large areas of the patch have remained inaccessible for several weeks; our trickling streams have turned into raging torrents, impassable even with upgraded footwear, and much of the heathland has been a quagmire. The  mild conditions brought daffodils into bloom in early January, and our first Red Admiral butterfly on 31st of the same month, considerably earlier than any of our previous records. However, when conditions have allowed us to get out birding, the numbers and diversity of species has been somewhat better than last year. While we have had no new patch records so far in 2024, our year list currently stands at 66 species, ten ahead of our figure for the end of February 2023 with a few interesting highlights to note. As usual, full lists can be found on the ebird' hotspot' link, and I have included hyperlinks (in blue) to the pictures of some of the less familiar species listed below. 





The 'Stream' at Shirley Holmes in mid-February


As reported in the December update, the numbers of winter thrushes has been exceptional, and although the counts gradually diminished through January and February, good size flocks of both Redwing  and Fieldfare continued to be seen throughout. Song and Mistle Thrushes have been singing vigorously for several weeks with at least a dozen of the former being heard at various locations across the patch. The heathland species also seem to have benefited from the milder conditions, with sightings of Stonechat and Dartford Warbler continuing uninterrupted throughout the Winter. Both species all but disappeared during late December and January last year when the weather was considerably colder. Skylarks have also started singing again, but we have yet to find our first Woodlark of the year, despite reports from elsewhere in the New Forest during February. Perhaps the wet heathland has delayed their thoughts of breeding and display, so we will remain vigilant during the coming weeks.

In the woodland, there continued to be good numbers of Lesser Redpoll, alongside our resident Siskin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Chaffinch. For the second consecutive year, we did not find any Brambling on the patch this winter, despite nearby roosts being reported. An early sighting of Marsh Tit on 11th January proved to be our only record so far in 2024. The woodland highlight of the winter was a regular Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, over 3 consecutive weeks at the same location, raising the possibility that we may get breeding activity on the patch this year.


Setley Pond - considerably larger than usual

Setley Pond has doubled in size, and regular visits from a up to 4 Cormorant suggests that the fish stocks remain healthy. The pair of Goosander which visited for a couple of weeks in December have not returned so far in 2024 and our only duck species to-date has been Mallard. The regular Grey Heron was seen just once, presumably due to the high water levels, although Little Egrets were regular sightings overhead. A single Egyptian Goose was also viewed over the heath along with up to three Canada Geese on the pond. A Kingfisher was feeding regularly at Setley during January, also appearing in the nearby flooded woodland on one occasion.

Raptors have also been more numerous than last winter. A ringtail Hen Harrier flew low over the heath near Shirley Holms early on 10th January, and on the same day a male Goshawk  provided a short display over the reedbeds. Sparrowhawks, Kestrel and Buzzard have been regular sightings, and a Red Kite over Sway Allotments on 16th February was considerably earlier than our first of 2023. So far, 2024 has not brought a Merlin to the patch, although our only record last year was in March, so we remain hopeful.

March brings the start of ‘meteorological Spring’ and the excitement of the coming migration season. Wheatears, Ring Ouzel and Whinchat are all possible passage visitors in the coming months, along with the arrival of our regular summer birds. Our chances of joining the Waxwing Winter party seem to have passed, but with sightings continuing in Romsey and a recent flock of 20 near Botley, you never know. Maybe the heathland lakes will attract a few more water birds? My grandmother used to call it 'nice weather for ducks' - so far, it seems that only the Mallards got the memo.


Chris Roseveare

29/02/2024

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