I had a very rewarding stroll around Hook with Warsash this afternoon.  On Links Scrape at 1350 I spotted a species of goose that I was unable to identify amongst the large flock of Canada Geese.  Prior to setting off I had seen Dan H's report from Titchfield Haven yesterday of a goose that I had never heard of before.  Once I returned home I looked up his record and 'googled' Cape Barren Goose and confirmed that that was indeed what I had seen.  

Cape Barren Goose, Hook with Warsash - 16 Oct 09

   When I arrived the Cape Barren Goose was on one of the islands but it later flew off to the far side of the scrape revealing a black tail in flight.  There it initially got a tough time off of the Canada Geese but later on it gave as good as it got. 

Cape Barren Goose (negative rings), Hook with Warsash - 16 Oct 09

Cape Barren Goose, Hook with Warsash - 16 Oct 09

   For me though the most significant sighting was that of an immature Dartford Warbler in gorse adjacent to the site of the old wooden bench.  Prior to the harsh winter the species was regularly seen in the scrub at Hook Links but todays bird was the first I have seen at the site this year.  Hopefully, it will stay around and get joined by others to recolonise the area. 

   Other interest included my first large flock of Brent Goose of the autumn (174 birds on the western shore of the River Hamble estuary) and two juvenile Common Scoter offshore from the 'Brents'. 

   On the butterfly front I spotted three Clouded Yellow, two Red Admiral and a very worn Painted Lady. 

Good birding,

Tony T   BSc (Hons) Geosci (Open)