Clubs, Classes & Sports

What's On

Tuesday 7 February 2017

Creeks and Saltmarsh – Guided Bird Watching Trip

Wildlife enthusiasts have been able to enjoy a unique glimpse of over 40 bird species currently residing in Keyhaven’s creeks and saltmarshes during a special trip organised by Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV).

Travelling on a Dory (ideal for shallow water operations), passengers were taken on a spectacular journey around areas not usually navigable by normal boats.
The range of species included Brent Goose, Curlew, Black tailed Godwit, Teal, Dunlin, Turnstone, Grey Plover, Knot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Shelduck, Cormorant, Eider, Little Egret, Greenshank, Redshank, Red- breasted Merganser, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Lapwing, Great Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron, Wigeon, Mute Swan, Mediterranean Gull, Peregrine and Raven.

The overriding sense on board was the sheer number of birds being seen – over 1,500 Brent Geese, 100 Black-tailed Godwits, 2,000+ Dunlin and the associated winter bird calls. The moody atmosphere was enhanced by the rising sun and low level mist.

This type of trip is a perfect way to see our local wildlife at close quarters and observe some of the bird behaviours. With skipper Jason Crane from Hurst Castle Ferries visiting the more inaccessible creeks, the bird watchers were treated to a memorable journey, along with the opportunity to learn more about bird identification.

The idea now is to schedule additional trips with MCV and Hurst Castle Ferries. Anyone with an interest in local wildlife is most welcome to enjoy the ‘Creeks and Saltmarsh’ experience. The trips are scheduled to last for about 1.5 hours and the cost will be £12.50 per person. 

Full details are available from Keith Metcalf – just email him on keithmetcalf@btinternet.com or call 01590 645825. 

Information about the Milford Conservation Volunteers, and how to join, can be found on the website at www.milfordcv.org

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please Note: Your comment will be approved by the administrator before publication. This could take 24 to 48 hours. Thank you.