Spring brings a shift in activity along the Solent. Our winter visitors have moved on, new arrivals appear, plants start to flower and insects become more visible. If you’re out exploring the shoreline, here are some of the seasonal signs that reveal how the coast is changing at this time of year.
Love is in the air
One of the clearest signs of spring is changes in bird behaviour. Many coastal birds are already focused on forming partnerships, defending space and preparing to breed.
You might spot black-headed and Mediterranean gulls gathering in large, noisy groups at sites such as the RSPB’s Langstone Harbour Oysterbeds. Their calls are hard to miss – the laughing ‘kehaar’ of the black-headed gull or the cat-like ‘meow’ of the Mediterranean gull. Watch closely and you may see pairs strengthening their bond through courtship displays and the offering of fish, a key part of showing suitability as a partner.
Terns are another species where spring behaviour really stands out. Common terns, in particular, have an elaborate courtship. Males perform dramatic ‘high flight’ displays, calling as they fly upward before gliding back down to present a fish to a potential partner. Females may reject several offerings before accepting one, and when a fish is accepted and eaten, it’s a strong sign a pair bond is forming. This behaviour shows the male’s ability to provide food for both mate and future chicks. By late April, you may see pairs swooping and diving together as they settle into the breeding season.
A common tern woos a potential mate with a fish
Fleeting guests of the coast
Not every bird you spot in spring is staying. Some are just passing through, using the Solent as a vital refuelling stop on long migration journeys. These birds are known as passage migrants.
A particularly special one to look out for is the whimbrel. Slightly smaller than a curlew, with a gently curved bill and distinctive striped head, whimbrels pass through the area as they travel from Africa to breeding sites in Greenland, Iceland and Siberia.
In spring, whimbrels are most often seen in April and early May, particularly around Chichester Harbour and the mainland estuaries. Look out for them feeding, walking quickly over mud and shingle, probing with their curved bills for worms and small crustaceans, often appearing to be in a hurry. They don’t stay long, but if you hear a fast, rippling seven-note sound overhead or see a small group flying purposefully along the coast, you may be catching a brief glimpse of this remarkable migration story.
A whimbrel
Blooming lovely: colour returns to the coast
Spring isn’t only busy for birds. Flowers begin to appear across the coastal landscape, adding splashes of colour to banks, cliffs and footpaths.
One familiar sight is sea thrift, also known as sea pink. Its bright pink flower heads grow in tight clumps along sea walls, grassy banks and cliff tops, including exposed areas of the Isle of Wight. Growing low to the ground, sea thrift is well adapted to salty winds and harsh coastal conditions.
These plants not only add colour but also provide vital nectar for early insects, supporting the wider coastal ecosystem as it wakes up after winter.
Sea thrift along the Solent coast
From bloom to buzz
As flowers appear, insects quickly follow. On a warm day, listen out for bees searching for nectar or spot the first butterflies of the year moving along sheltered paths.
You might also notice silken web-like nests on coastal shrubs. These are often mistaken for spider webs but are the communal nests of brown-tail moth caterpillars. The caterpillars live together for protection over winter and emerge in spring to feed. They’re fascinating to observe, but best admired from a distance, as their tiny hairs can irritate human skin.
A brown-tail moth catepillar nest
Helping the coast thrive
Spring is a productive but fragile season along the Solent coast. Many birds are investing a lot of energy in preparation for breeding season. Their success depends on having enough undisturbed space.
Small actions can make a big difference. By keeping to coastal paths, keeping dogs alongside, following requests on signs or fenced areas and giving birds space can help protect wildlife during this sensitive time. These simple measures improve their chances of a successful breeding season.
Spring on the coast is full of small but exciting changes, from passing birds to fresh growth along the shoreline. Whether it’s the call of a returning migrant, insects stirring among the plants, or the first flowers adding colour to the paths, each walk offers something new to notice. What will you spot?
