Water Rails in Dorset & Hampshire?

[Trik]

Can anyone recommend sites in Dorset and Hampshire where we would have a reasonable chance photographing Water Rail, please? They are supposed to be common, but we have seen just two at widely-separate sites, very briefly and only once, so would like to know of somewhere with a larger population, if possible, to give us more opportunities. I know that they tend to lurk in reeds and then dash from cover to cover, so am not expecting them to pose for us!

Thanks
Trik

[GuyF]

I've seen them a few times at the RSPB's Radipole reserve, although not on every visit and I haven't managed any good photos yet! One visit was particularly good as water levels were very high, which meant I had a few sightings of birds wandering around on the paths. Lodmoor may be good too although personally I haven't seen them there.
Christchurch Harbour could also give you a chance, I had quite good views at Stanpit Marsh in January 2009 during a cold spell. In Hampshire I've had one brief sighting at Pennington Marshes, but Titchfield Haven and Blashford Lakes are probably also worth considering.
Guy

Edit: Just found this brilliant photo of one at Lodmoor (4th picture from the bottom) so it is possible
Surfbirds Online Photo Gallery Search Results

[aeshna5]

Certainly some good sites suggested by Guy. I've certainly had luck at Titchfield Haven which occasionally produces Spotted Crake in August as a bonus.

[Trik]

Thanks for the suggestions. It was at both Pennington and Blashford that we saw our brief sightings, but they seemed to be single birds at both sites. Pennington and Keyhaven Marshes are so extensive that, although there may be several birds there, you have to be lucky to spot one and be close enough for a good shot.

We haven`t tried Titchfield Haven for Water Rails. In fact, we have been very disappointed on our three or four visits, as we found the hides were too far away for our fairly puny 400mm lenses to get a good shot of any of the water birds. Which hide(s) would you recommend, please?

As yet, we haven`t been to Radipole or Lodmoor, but it`s on our "to do" list this autumn/winter. It`s a fair journey for us, so I would really like to be sure of getting some `keepers` to make the trip worthwhile. We`ll also check out Stanpit.

Thanks again
Trik

[wint]

There's one showing quite well (a minute at a time!) at the moment at the middle scrape at Lower Test Marshes (Hants) . A 400mm lens would be OK but you might have to stand a long time at the viewing blind before the 1 minute show.

There were 35 territories at Lymington/Keyhaven in 2008 and I would guess it's one of the best places in Hants ... but seeing them well is another matter.

Winter is going to be better than summer when they are hiding away with their youngsters.

Paul

[Trik]

I was surprised to learn that Keyhaven/Lymington had/has so many Water Rail, as we have only ever seen one. I guessed that winter will be better, as the reeds will have died down too. Also, it should be quieter outside holiday times, with less chance of the birds being disturbed. We got our first good shots of a Common Kingfisher today so maybe we`ll be lucky with the Water Rail this year.

Thanks for the info.
Trik

PS : you can take a lot of photos in 60 seconds , so we might give Lower Test Marshes a try next week - if the weather brightens up.

[RobS]

I was at Titchfield Haven a few weeks ago and saw two juveniles from the Suffern Hide (I think it was that one, the first one you come to when walking on the east side).

However they were somewhat imaginary views and I doubt a 4000m let alone a 400mm would get you a good shot!

There was one that frequented the bridge over the river at Titchfield which was very close but not seen it there for years although I wouldn't rule out looking there.

Good luck!

Rob S

[JackBD95]

can only recommend Tichfield haven!