Sinah Common, Hayling Island

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS Member)

As we gathered at our beachside rendezvous we immediately had a good view of a pair of Kestrels. Their continued presence in hunting mode throughout the morning may have been one reason why small birds were difficult to find.

Despite the long drought, there were some good displays by beach shingle specialists: drought resistance is important even in average years here. Sea Kale, Sea Beet and Wild Carrot had lush green leaves. Many familiar vegetables have their origin in wild coastal species: cabbage and radish are other examples. Some of the Viper’s Bugloss plants were having a second attempt at flowering, with stunted dense clusters of intensely blue flowers.

Various stages of vegetation could be examined, from freshly-created bare storm ridges of shingle by the sea, through to patchy grassland and then to shrubs and small trees. The botanical highlight was Autumn Ladies-tresses orchids that had just produced large numbers of their unique helical spikes of tiny flowers in grassy areas. The most common tree was Holm Oak: a non-native, but looking very natural, whilst another non-native, Tamarisk, dominated the dunes.

Insects were mostly kept down by the breeze, but there were Clouded Yellow butterflies, some Vestal moths and an uncommon Yellow Belle moth: a coastal specialist.

The return walk through the scrubby dunes yielded just a possible Firecrest (heard only), a Whitethroat, Stonechats, Chiffchaffs and Barn Swallows: disappointing for a site that is often rich in migrants in September.

The group was offered a detour on the way home to see a colony of Corsican Stick Insects! Thanks to some friendly beach hut occupants, we had a close look at these huge (9cm) and weird insects, which were feeding on bramble in a sheltered spot between two huts.