Pimp my hide

Hampshire Wildlife Trust have done such a great job of demonstrating how restoration of old mineral workings can benefit wildlife at Blashford Lakes that it seems churlish to criticise - but the choice of fixed windows covered with tinted film for two of their showcase hides is a puzzler. The effect is like trying to watch birds through the window of a pimp's limo. Only two small windows at the extremes of each hide actually open, but unlike a limo where the papparazzi crowd around them trying to peek in, anyone wanting a decent view has to huddle around these trying to see out. If you can cope with queuing patiently, it's worth it for the excellent views of Brambling, Siskin and Redpoll as well as commoner species which attend the well stocked feeders.

The only reason I can think of would be a misguided attempt to stop photographers 'hogging' the view but on the evidence of yesterday, (a) this doesn't necessarily work and (b) it just leads to poor views and frustration for everyone. A bittern showing from the Ivy North hide illustrated the problem nicely - being south facing, you had to factor glare and reflections in to your attempt to see one of our most elusive birds hiding in a reedbed. The other hide, deep in dark woodland, hardly needs tinted glass, and the birds seem unperturbed by the open windows, so disturbance, the only other reason I can think of for fixed windows, wouldn't appear to be a risk. Anyway, rant over, I enjoyed my 10 minute ration of good views and photo opportunities before making way for others, and the woodland walk to a cacophony of calling finches was very impressive. The hides aren't the only place to take good photos either - these Siskins were taken just wandering around near the car park.

More from Blashford Lakes

A few more pictures taken at Blashford Lakes today - from top Siskin, Brambling, Blue Tit:

Last of the Park Life

A few more pictures of the Ring-billed Gull in Poole Park, taken in better light than on the day of its arrival:

Poole Park...

...more like Central Park today, with a 1st winter Ring-billed Gull joining the Long-billed Dowitcher present all week and attracting a crowd of admirers. Both birds were viewable from the same spot at times, and both were excellent additions to the list of birds I have been able to see within a short walk from home. With the children and their mum safely despatched to 'Gus Gorrillas' playland/cafe (sorry Walpole Park, Gosport - you may have an RBG but you can't offer that kind of luxury) I had an hour to photograph these confiding birds. The Gull didn't look too well in truth, but the Dowitcher continued to feed very well despite very strong winds - and water levels seem to be rising in the lake, pushing it even closer to the shore. An elderly lady told me that there was a whole flock of Dowitchers further along the shore. I politely dismissed them as Black-tailed Godwits, though on second thoughts, perhaps I should have checked...

More Park Life

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was still present on Poole Park Lake early this morning, with Black-tailed Godwit (bottom picture) also showing well on the edge of the lake:

Park life

Following up on a report of a Long-billed Dowitcher in my local park in Poole last night, I was unable to locate it during a flying visit on the way to work this morning - though several Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank were present on the mud where the park lake would normally be.

The more observant Steve Smith had better luck later and was kind enough to let me know that the bird had returned. I was able to get back from work in time to find the Dowitcher tip-toeing through drink cartons and fag packets on the margins of the lake, just a few yards out from the edge. Many photos were deleted due to this unfortunate detritus - these pictures were rescued only by savage cropping. An amazing record for this location, putting the regular Black Swan's nose seriously out of joint...

Over the Border

Dragged the family off to Hordle in Hampshire after a cinema trip this morning to look for the juvenile White-tailed Eagle present for the last few weeks. It showed distantly after a short wait (being mobbed by a Buzzard) - my 7 year old son George seemed as pleased to see it as I was. It had flown low over the same field shortly before we arrived which must have afforded great views.

We moved on to Keyhaven in beautiful light and biting wind to look for Lapland Buntings but could find none in a brief search - the presence of this guy (top - male Sparrowhawk) may have explained their absence. A large and mobile flock of Brent Geese and this single Little Egret gave some opportunities for flight photography.