Here we are again with one storm behind us and another fast approaching. Storm 'Ruth' didn't affect us too badly here in the eastern Solent although it would have been a different case if we'd been having spring tides at the same time. The next one, storm 'Darwin' (depending which naming convention you follow) is due to hit tomorrow but it looks like we'll miss the brunt of it again.
Although we're relatively sheltered here, these successive storms are still hitting the rafts of seabirds out at sea in the Western Approaches and causing noticeable damage. There have been a number of reports over the last two days from the Atlantic coast of France, Guernsey and Dorset amongst others showing this. Most of these appear to have had difficulty feeding in the maelstrom but a small percentage are reported to be 'oiled'. Please do keep an eye out on the beaches for seabirds in distress and if found, get in touch initially with the RSPCA (as well as letting us know later).
Above: Looking south towards the Langstone Harbour islands as yet another Atlantic storm passes through. Photo: Wez Smith
Back on land, we had our first signs of the coming seabird breeding season yesterday as the West Hayling Local Nature Reserve saw a group of Black-headed Gulls return to their normal breeding areas and loudly initiate the process of selecting nesting territories. It's still early in the year for this to be happening and is another sign of just how mild (if not calm) this winter has so far been. In all likelihood, we can expect them to come and go en-masse for days at a time over the coming weeks as they continue to develop their breeding plumage and start courting.
Above: The first of the resident gulls begin staking their claims. Photo: Wez Smith
Above: Bring on the Black-head! Breeding plumage still to develop. Photo: T Bickerton.
We've also (finally) recorded our first flowering plant of the year on the reserve. It had seemed recently that everywhere was in bloom with some species or another except for this little part of Hayling Island. The first species recorded in flower here this year is Red Dead-nettle but I'm certain it'll be followed by a whole host of others.
Above: Red dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) at the west Hayling oysterbeds. Photo: Wez Smith.
Great as all this is, we've still got time left on the winter season and the Brent Geese are popular proof of this. They'll be here for a while yet and I'd still love to hear where you've been spotting them. Be sure to give me a shout at wez.smith@rspb.org.uk if you see a flock feeding around the Solent.
Above: They're not leaving for Siberia yet! Brent Geese at Langstone Harbour. Photo: T. Bickerton.