25/03/2018 Acres Down and Blashford Lakes

Hampshire Birding
East Grinstead RSPB Local Group

I spent a thoroughly delightful day in Hampshire as part of a group of 10 members of the East Grinstead Local RSPB Group.  We didn't manage to see the main attractions at either site but still enjoyed an interesting and very satisfying birding opportunity with over 50 species seen.

Acres Down

• Although it was mild, the visibility was not good with a lingering mist.  Try as we did we could not see any Goshawks.  Only one was seen before we arrived - as well as a surprising Lesser- spotted Woodpecker.
• By way of compensation we saw a couple of Hawfinches.  The first, as we arrived at the car park - sitting at the top of a tall tree facing us.  The second, similarly placed but seen from the Raptor viewing point.
• Birds were in short supply but we did see our customary Woodlark and several Stonechats.  In the woods by the car park there were Coal Tits, Treecreepers, Goldcrests,  Great- spotted Woodpeckers and Nuthatches.

                                                               Blashford Lakes
The weather was brightening up as we arrived at Blashford Lakes.

• We had lunch in the Woodland Hide where we enjoyed superb views of Brambling (x9),  lots of Reed Buntings and Siskins as well as the usual suspects.
• On Ibsley Water we immediately saw the Little Gull flying in front of us and soon afterwards one of the group picked out the Little Ringed Plover.  It was nice to see the Goosanders again - one of the sites best loved species.

There was no sign of the Black-necked Grebe and we left before the roost so missed the Ring-billed Gull.

Everyone went home very happy, showing that it's possible to have a great day out even after dipping on the star species!