It’s funny how things turn out.....
Last week we had a Spoonbill on Keyhaven Lagoon. Then I heard a rarity had turned up at Blashford...a Black-winged Stilt. It didn’t stay for long and we didn’t rush up to see it. But lots of people did see it, so I’m pleased for them.
white blossom
On Sunday morning we decided to go up to Milkam Enclosure to look for Crossbills. Before we left the house, I had a quick look on Birdforum to see if there was anything interesting about. As it turned out, another rarity had arrived, a Glossy Ibis on Fishtail Lagoon, Keyhaven. Now what should we do? If we headed for Keyhaven would the Ibis still be there????
wall brown
We decided to stick to our original plan, and headed to the New Forest. It was nice and quiet at Milkham, but unfortunately no Crossbills to be seen. We did find a male Redstart which was a nice surprise. That’s exactly how things go in the bird world. You try for one thing and end up finding something else. I also saw my first dragon and damselflies of the year, lots of wood ants on the path and two fallow deer bucks.
common tern
After lunch we decided to pop to Keyhaven and try for the Ibis...... What a good move that turned out to be. Not only did we get to see the Glossy Ibis....but a Ruff with an actual ruff!!! in beautiful summer plumage, and two Velvet Scoters off the headland too!!!
137. redstart
138. glossy ibis
139. ruff
140. velvet scoter
141. bar-tailed godwit
