SW Hampshire wildlife reports:
February 2005

Russell Wynn

Another quiet month, despite a relatively cold spell with snow showers in the final week. Highlights included the first-winter male Long-tailed Duck which remained all month and a Firecrest watched fly-catching (26th). Mediterranean Gulls were seen most days, with at least six different birds (three adults, a second-winter and two first-winters) being recorded. Offshore, there was little movement, with a female Eider (4th), two female Common Scoters (3rd) and up to four Slavonian Grebes and five Goldeneye. Waders included a Jack Snipe flying in from the saltmarsh (26th) and up to eight Spotted Redshanks, two Greenshanks, three Ruff, 15 Bar-tailed Godwits and 20 Knot. Raptors included a Merlin, two Buzzards, a Barn Owl and a singing Tawny Owl. At least three Water Pipits were present (26th).

Mammals included a Common Seal (26th) while mild weather at the start of the month saw a few moths getting on the wing, including an early Oak Beauty (11th).

Nearby, Waxwings continued to be seen in Lymington Town, with 15 on 8th and four still present on 26th.

Sunrise over Keyhaven Marshes	Curlew
Oak Beauty	Common Seal
Little Egret