This morning I was up and out by half five walking down the Titchfield Canal path. Plenty of Warblers to be had in the bank side scrub, mainly Whitethroat and Willow Warbler.
Whitethroat, Titchfield Canal, 18 Aug 2009
Roebuck, Titchfield Canal, 18 Aug 2009
I spent a few hours searching through the Terns at the Haven but no joy with the Roseate or the Blacks this morning, (they were seen later in the day on the river island). So much for looking for your own !! I had a quick look on the laptop after an afternoon siesta and was happy to see the report of a juvenile Red Backed Shrike on Hayling Is. I was over there twenty minutes later and was on the bird within about three seconds. Now that’s more like it. Many thanks to Jason Crook who found it. Whilst there I also managed to put a few faces to names of some more notable Hants birders in the shape of Ian Julian and Tim Lawman. Simon Ingram and Andy Johnson were also on the scene along with several other birders. Anyway back to the Shrike. When I arrived it was perched quite close to the main footpath and I managed a few quick snaps which I am half happy with. Unfortunately the bird soon re-positioned to a more central area of the field. Although a little distant for the camera it showed well in the network of scopes we had set up. The shrike fed constantly for around an hour catching mainly Bees, Wasps and Grasshoppers (see Andy for further details on the mini beasts). Had a good natter with Jason over the merits of the new Kowa scope compared to the Swarovski and I have to say the Kowa is top notch, and is the model to go for if you’re feeling flush. If not so flush the non ED Mighty Midget is not half bad and it fits in your pocket. An hour or so later the Shrike disappeared from view and was not seen again by me at any road, (sorry Ash) and I left at half seven. Hopefully the bird had taken its fill and will be back tomorrow.
Red Backed Shrike, Hayling Is, 18 Aug 2009
Red Backed Shrike, Hayling Is, 18 Aug 2009
 A little distant
I then photographed the Rabbit and Roe Deer below before they were spooked by a selection of hot air balloons that took flight from just over the road. I was quite impressed but the deer especially took fright and careered around the field as each of the four flew over.
 Black Rabbit, Hayling Is, 18 Aug 2009
 Roe Hind, Hayling Is, 18 Aug 2009
 Up she blows
 I fancy a go at that but I am a little dodgy on heights!!!
Steve Copsey | 
