This Morning Karen and I went to the Lower Test Nature Reserve.
Until a few weeks ago I did not know it was there. Tucked in behind a housing estate and bordered by the A35 going into Southampton, this little reserve is one of the best places in Hampshire for spotting Kingfishers. We did see one but it was gone in a flash of blue.
As we walked down the board walk toward the hide the heavens opened and although we sheltered under a tree we got very wet. When the rain eased we turned the corner to find the hide was less than 20 yards away!
We saw a Shelduck and a Green Sandpiper (a bird watcher told us what it was.) We were also lucky to see the little egrets at one point we could see 6.
There were also coot and ducks and although we didn't see one apparently sparrow hawks frequent the area.
The area is also known for its wildflowers but as we left the hides the rain started again so we will save them for another day. Because the Reserve is right on our doorstep we will be able to make regular visits!
3 comments:
may have to find out about that for when i am down in a couple of weeks
Are dogs allowed? (I'm hoping to be able to go to the NF tomorrow, as my husband is off work.)
No Dogs allowed in Nature Reserve..bt if you stop in Beaulieu you sometimes see Egrets on the River opposite the gatehouse to Palace House. Also there are seven fluffy cygnets on Hatchetts Pond.
The forest is very wet underfoot so make sure you have waterproof footwear.
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