A short walk around the West Hayling LNR's

Some images of wildlife seen during my short walk, 3 june 2015.


A young immature Blackbird calling out to be fed. This was taken meadow, south of the marsh area, to the east of the Hayling Billy Trail.


In the same area sheep were present to help naturally manage the meadow land. Sheep and cattle are often seen in the LNR areas to carry out this function.


Overhead, a flock of Canada Geese flew past.


Many Greenfinch were seen along the Hayling Billy Trail.


The Robin was also seen in the bushes.....


and a Dunnock was seen, gathering food on the trail to feed its young.

To the East of the Hayling Billy Trail is the 19th century Oysterbed workings, now the West Hayling Local Nature Reserve, in Langstone Harbour.

A little Egret can be seen landing on the bank (lower left) and a Common Tern (centre right) can be seen looking for small fish to feed its chicks.


The Little Egret was originally a migrant to the UK but is now fully resident all the year round. Seen here wading in the shallows in the incoming tide. It anticipates rich pickings at this time.


The Common Tern has recently arrived from Africa and one is seen here hunting for food to be taken back to the lagoon islands to feed its chicks.


Here a Common Tern has caught a worm in the lagoon and shall return to the lagoon islands to feed its chicks.

This breeding season has been very tough with very high tides swept in on low atmospheric pressure systems and high winds. This has had a devastating affect on the Gulls and Tern chicks and eggs. Undeterred, these birds are trying again, for the third time for the gulls.

Here a Black Headed Gull is taking fresh nesting material to the lagoon islands.

Flocks of Starling can be seen throughout the nature reserve.


This link will take you to my Oysterbed Home page which has a google map of the area, lots of images of flora and fauna and more details of the breeding season.

Thanks for viewing