We are now well into the breeding season at Hurst although summer is generally a quieter time of year for birds.

A pair of Mute Swans were seen on Sturt Pond with 5 cygnets.

Several pairs of Shelduck were recorded on the marsh; one pair with 5 ducklings.

Over 80 Mallard were counted on Sturt Pond; normally we see their distinctive metallic green heads, narrow white neck-collar and purple brown breast feathers but now many of the drakes are in eclipse plumage. This is primarily for camouflage and survival. After the breeding season, the drakes shed their flight feathers, leaving them flightless for about a month. In order to stay safe from predators, they lose their bright, ‘flashy’ colours for a dull, brown ‘inconspicuous’ appearance.

See photo of Mallard in full breeding plumage.

Little Egrets still stalk the creeks and marshy lagoons. Feeding on fish, insects and small snails. This species does breed in certain localities in Hampshire; it is likely that our birds are non-breeders.

Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers are again breeding in their usual territories around Hurst and the Spit. Certain areas have been fenced off and signposted. Volunteer members of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust monitor any nests and young. Unfortunately, a Fox and some Carrion Crows are predating on the eggs and chicks. Redshank sightings are scarce this year.

A pair of Lapwing were recorded on the salt-marsh. These really are beautiful birds with their unique long, thin, wispy crest and, at close up, beautiful green and purple iridescence on dark upper-parts.

A pair of Great Black-backed Gulls are recorded again on the salt-marsh in the same location. This is unusual. A very scarce breeding species in Hampshire. Normally breeds along rocky sea coasts in small colonies. Our pair must be non-breeders.

Sandwich and Common Terns are seen passing west over the spit to their fishing grounds just offshore; returning with small fish in their bills to feed young in colonies east of here.

Pairs of Meadow Pipits are nesting in the thick grassy vegetation at Hurst and Linnets have been seen in the tamarisk bushes.

The new Nature Reserve signs have been well received. There is one on the sea side of Cut Bridge and another 200m down the Spit. Beautifully illustrated by Dan & Rosemary Powell.