Saturday 03/10/2015. The weather was cool but there was very little breeze. Almost immediately on Perry Lane there were mixed flocks. Here we saw Blackcap and Goldcrest. Onto the reserve and heading for the bridge. On the right on the closest pylon was perched a Hobby. It was still in exactly the same spot over 2 hours later when we walked back the same way.
Over head were many small birds including swallows. Pinging also from the other side of the path with views of flying and perched Bearded Tits. The best views were on the pontoon where a pair were moving along bit by bit hoovering up seeds.
We thoroughly enjoyed the morning and didn't mind even not going down Saltmarsh Lane to see the Barred Warbler.
Thanks for that Colin, we were down yesterday and just missed the Hobby. We went to see the Barred Warbler but he had gone missing by then, not been seen since about 11:00am. I'm beginning to feel we are jinxed on sightings.
Great footage of the Beardies Colin & a beautiful Hobby ... watched the nest on New Forest live cam this year, so good!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Excellent news, photo and video Colin, didn't get down today but would love to see that Hobby, I've got video of most of the raptors down there but haven't even seen a Hobby yet! Reports of a Goshawk today so that's another target. We have been very lucky recently with rarities - the Temminck's Stint, Stone Curlew, Red-Necked and Grey Phalaropes, Cattle Egrets and now this Barred Warbler reported by Tom Chinnick, just an amazing season!
Looks like a case of you should have been here tomorrow. Was a bit breezy when I managed to go the previous days. Nice to know that still around and showing.