There is something rather seasonal about walking in the countryside at this time of year that reminds one of childhood Christmases.

Perhaps it is the holly, or the mistletoe, or the fir trees, or maybe it is just frost on the inside of the window; but whatever it is the cold frosty weather on the day of our walk made us all wrap up in our winter clothing.

Even a warm pair of gloves did not stop the frost nipping our fingers as we set off briskly from the car park on the shore at Calshot.

Calshot does not at first sight remind one of the countryside. It is situated on the edge of the busy Southampton Water; within sight of the Power Station and Oil refinery.

Ferries to the Isle of Wight and Car transporter vessels mean that the view over the water is busy and forever changing.

Nevertheless nature has made the most of what is left of the seashore and there is always something to see at any time of the year.

The rich birdlife can be seen even from the entrance to the reserve so a walk is not strictly necessary except that it enables us to keep warm.

Stonechats were common throughout our walk.

Both the Stonechats and Reed Buntings seem to settle nearer the seashore during the winter; perhaps taking advantage of the slightly warmer ground.

Meadow Pipits and Linnets were also spotted on the shore side of the path together with a small flock of Starlings.

Fieldfares, which have settled in for the winter were seen flitting from tree to tree further inland.

Low tide at the time of our visit meant that the extensive mud flats were exposed enabling many birds to take advantage of the abundant food thrown up by the retreating water.

Although the area has plenty of mud it is certainly not flat; small creeks and channels wind their way towards the water and on slightly raised ground reeds provide cover for many birds.

Curlews with their distinctive cry and long downward curved beaks can only be seen when they break cover or are resting on the edge of the reedbeds.

Wigeon and Teal rested on the mud in the relative safety of a low lying creek and occasionally moved on to the water for a half-hearted feeding attempt before resuming their place on the mud.

A single Golden Plover walked around continuously as if looking for more of its kind.

Walking further along to Ashlett Creek we came across solitary Redshanks and small groups of Godwit.

Nearer the shoreline Oystercatchers and Turnstones were busy feeding. When we got an opportunity to look over the water Shellduck were swimming and a Great Crested Grebe was diving under the water in search of food.

Pintail ducks with their characteristic white neck stripe also tended to stay on the water.

Black headed Gulls hung around the car park looking for scraps
and are by far the most common of the gulls in this area.

Common Gulls on the other hand, with their white rounded heads and pale legs, are not so common but we did see a group of them on the seashore. Herring Gulls and Black backed Gulls were also present.

We reached Ashlett Creek in time for our lunch and spent a peaceful half hour looking at the marooned boats on the mud all waiting for the tide to come back in.

It is rather strange to see so much marine equipment where the only sign of water is that coming from the mill pond and running along a small channel to the distant sea.

Our return back to Calshot was more or less the same as our walk out and we were rather disappointed not to see any sign of Brent Geese or Black Redstart.

Even the Peregrine Falcon was conspicuous by its absence.

We did however see a Robin on our return to the car park which looked just like the ones depicted on many Christmas Cards but sung a great deal louder.

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