Timsbury is situated in the Test Valley only seven
miles from the nearest salt water (at Redbridge) and lies on the edge
of the Hampshire chalk downs and gravels (which were probably the
furthest extent of the New Forest). Hence the range of habitats -
river, stream, watermeadows, lakes, gravel and sand pits, ancient
woodland, farmland and heathland (now gone) account for its
ornithological diversity. The valley acts as a funnel for migrants in
spring and autumn.
The gravel pit produces the most interesting variety
of birds. Tufted and Pochard numbers build up in winter to a peak just
after Christmas (max 375 Tufted and 210 Pochard). Both species breed
here (and on the lake and river) 9 pairs Pochard and 4 pairs Tufted in
1994. Coot, Mallard and Canada Geese reach good numbers and Gadwall
are increasing. The most notable duck has been the male Ring-necked
Duck which caused a stir and attracted many birdwatchers especially in
1987. It has been a reliable visitor for the last eight winters. Cold
weather has produced other wildfowl - Brent Geese, Bewick's Swans,
Smew, Scaup, Goosander, Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck, etc., and Red-crested
Pochard, Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter and Shelduck have appeared in
spring.
Good numbers of Lapwing appear in winter and Green
and Common Sandpipers appear on passage although not so many nowadays.
Many other waders have appeared over the years: Dunlin, Ringed Plover,
Turnstone, Ruff, Little Stint, Greenshank, Oystercatcher, Wood
Sandpiper, etc., but they are not seen so often now. Little Ringed
Plover is now scarce. Waders still use the valley eg., 28 Whimbrel
flew down the valley recently. Yellow-legged Herring Gulls have been
seen regularly in recent years, usually in autumn and winter.
All five grebes have been recorded but Little and
Great Crested are the most frequent. In spring the gravel pit can be a
good site for early hirundines, usually driven down by a heavy rain
shower. Other migrants such as Yellow Wagtail and Tree Pipit drop in
and passing Honey Buzzard, Peregrine and Hobby have been seen.
Buzzards have become more common and easier to see. A good local
breeding population is shown by 12 birds in the air at once last
October (10 in a soaring column together).
The river at Greatbridge and Timsbury Bridge holds
the usual Mute Swan, Grey Wagtail, Coot and Kingfisher. In winter
Canada Geese and Wigeon can congregate on the meadows here and Green
Sandpipers, Redshank and Snipe use the spring floods. Redpolls and
Siskins feed in the alders. The inaccessible parts of the water
meadows hold breeding Sedge and Reed Warblers (with attendant
Cuckoos), Reed Buntings, also Lapwings and Redshank. Grasshopper
Warbler and Cetti's Warbler are also present, For some years in
autumn, large numbers of Swallows, Sand Martins and Pied Wagtails
roost in fields of maize which form the equivalent of large reedbeds.
In winter the area holds Snipe, Teal, Herons and Water Rails, also
flocks of thrushes and Siskins.
Timsbury Lake is difficult to see but holds breeding
Ruddy Ducks (2 pairs in 1994), Great-crested Grebe and Canada Geese.
The surrounding unkernpt farm land has flocks of Lapwings and finches
in winter and Turtle Doves, Lesser Whitethroat and hunting Barn Owl in
summer.
