SPRING MIGRATION
After an early Easter break we were ready to catch up with the newly arriving Spring Migrants, already Chiffchaff, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers have been heard singing.

On the 1st April we visited Testwood Lakes in the morning and saw Sand Martins and Little Ringed Plovers then in the afternoon a walk at Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes produced our first Swallow of the year. We saw 77 species altogether on a beautiful sunny warm day though a bit windy, a full report is on our website.

However, today 6th April was a complete contrast waking up to snow and 3 of our group not able to get to Blashford Lakes due to the weather. Not exactly the Spring walk we had been expecting but the birds didn't seem to mind and we heard several Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. On our arrival at the Tern Hide we had hundreds of Sand Martins all over Ibsley Water with a few Swallows and even a couple of House Martins, another migrant Little Ringed Plover flew in and landed right in front of the hide giving us in birding terms "crippling" views. Nick took some super photographs and these will be put on our website on our new Blashford Blog.

We went over to the Woodland Hide where we had Brambling, Great Spotted Woodpecker, a pair of Jays, singing Nuthatch, Mistle Thrush and more and on the Visitor Centre feeders 4 Lesser Redpolls were feeding alongside the Siskin. We met Bob, the warden, who told us an Osprey had flown over the Centre at 9.40 that morning and we felt a little disappointed but not for long! We sat in the Goosander Hide and all seemed quiet until Nick picked up an Osprey on the far side. We watched enthralled for about ½ an hour as it hovered and flew up and down over Somerley Lakes until we had to leave. What a wonderful morning.

LOOKING AND LISTENING
Our walk at Hengistbury Head for spring migrants is fully booked but we do still have places on our Away Day to Portland and Weymouth on Friday, 25th April which is an excellent time to look for migrants and seabirds at Portland Bill, we will look for Puffin, a few still return to the cliffs here with Guillemots and Razorbills. If we are lucky enough to have a fall of birds we could see a few different species of warbler, including perhaps Grasshopper Warbler, also Redstart, Nightingale are all possible. After lunch we will have a walk round the RSPB reserves of either Lodmoor or Radipole looking for Cetti's Warbler, Sedge and Reed Warblers, Bearded Tit and more. If you would like more details please look on our website or ring us.

A Dawn Chorus is an excellent way to listen to the wonderful sounds of our summer birds, it's always a treat and on 10th May we are meeting at Acres Down in the New Forest at 05.00 we hope to hear and see quite a few warblers including Wood Warbler Garden Warbler and Firecrest and the usual woodland birds, followed by a full English breakfast at 07.30 - well worth getting up early for. Due to a cancellation a couple of places have become available.

SUMMER COURSE
Of course another way to see as many of our Spring Migrants and breeding birds is to join us on our Wednesday morning course of 8 weekly sessions starting on the 16th April cost £48. Each week we visit a new area taking in the coast, woodland, rivers and heathland habitats, looking and listening for birds and other wildlife. It's an excellent way to brush up on your identification skills and song recognition and also to visit new places and meet new friends. A full programme will be sent out on receipt of your booking, for more information or to book please contact us, our details are below.

TWO OWLS STAND AND MERCHANDISE
We had a fun day at the Hampshire Ornithological Society (HOS) AGM on the 15th March where we had our first trade stand. With meeting new people and some old friends it was brilliant experience and a great way of introducing ourselves to HOS members.

As you can see from the photo taken of our stand we now have our own merchandise and this is available to order. Our prices are as follows and available in different colours and sizes up to 2XL to suit everyone.

Polo Shirts £13.50
65/35 Poly/Cotton

Sweatshirts £16.50
80% Cotton

T-shirts £10.00
100% Cotton

Baseball caps £6.50
One size

Prices do not include postage.
To order please email or ring Jackie as below.

For bookings please email twoowls.birding@virgin.net or telephone 01425 656841. Cheques made payable to Mrs J Hull.
Address: 11 Pealsham Gardens, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 1RD

JACKIE & NICK HULL
Contact Details:
Telephone: 01425 656841

E-mail :- twoowls.birding@virgin.net

Website: www.twoowlsbirding.co.uk