Waterside Natural History Society visit to Blashford Lakes
Storm Angus the first named storm of the winter arrived on
the evening before the Natural History Societies outdoor event in November. A
programmed visit to Stanpit Marsh was cancelled because of the high wind and
possible flooding. This was replaced by a visit to Blashford Lakes near
Ringwood which being further inland was assumed to be less windy and less prone
to flooding. A large flooded area of water and a locked gate on the entrance to
the car park however did not look promising. Fortunately the small car park
near the visitor centre was open and arriving early meant that spaces were
available.
Apart from the flooded area into the car park and its
associated hide the rest of the reserve was open and surprisingly dry. The plan
was to walk along to the hide furthest away from the visitor centre and call in
to the other hides on the way back. Lapwing hide is located towards the
northern end of Ibsley Water and requires a rather convoluted walk from the
visitor centre along Dockens Water and across the main road. Dockens Water is
normally a shallow brook but due to the overnight heavy rain it was in full
spate and showed signs of overflowing its banks on to the path. The water level
was already receding during the outward leg of the walk and had dropped still
further on the return stage. The walk itself through beech woodland was very
pleasant with autumn colours on the remaining leaves. A Green Woodpecker,
Robin, Nuthatch, Blackbird and Song Thrush were all seen not far from the
visitor centre.
Goosanders are normally on Ibsley Water and can often be
seen from the appropriately named Goosander Hide. On this occasion they were
seen from the path swimming in a lake to the right just before Mockbeggar Lake
and provided a close up view even without binoculars. It is often the case when
visiting a reserve with several hides to rely on the views from the hides
rather than what is happening in other areas and good sightings can be missed.
Apart from the Goosanders a Marsh Harrier was seen flying over the reserve in
its characteristic slow patrolling flight attended by crows trying to chase it
away. The view from Lapwing hide over Ibsley Water was rather disappointing
being restricted to a few Tufted Ducks, Coots and the occasional Small Grebe.
Two Pied Wagtails patrolled the lake shore dipping their tails before flying
away.
Ivy North Hide provided a good view of a Water Rail that
conveniently wandered across a newly cut path through the reeds. Although
rather dull in colour the combination of metallic grey and mottled brown
together with its red curved bill formed a very pleasing sight. The bird is
very elusive and a sighting so close to the hide provides a highlight of the
day for many birdwatchers but in fact they are not so uncommon as they appear
to be.
The view from the Woodland Hide proved to be rather
disappointing as many of the migrating woodland birds had not arrived apart
from a solitary Siskin. Along the paths around the hide however there were some
rather unusual fungi including ‘Candle Snuff fungi’ and ‘Stinkhorn fungus’ both
on old tree stumps.
The walk around the reserve was managed without getting wet
and the level of water in Dockens water had dropped considerably at the end of
the walk. Blashford Lakes proved to be a worthwhile substitute for Stanpit
marsh which hopefully will be visited next month weather permitting.
