UK's largest bird, snakes and dolphins: Hampshire animal sightings

While the region is known for its animal attractions such as the New Forest Wildlife Park, here is the Echo’s round-up of strange animals  that caught residents completely by surprise.

The UK’s largest bird of prey

Jordan Callaghan managed to snap this soaring white-tailed eagle, the biggest bird of prey in the UK (Image: Jordan Callaghan) In November, Daily Echo Camera Club member Jordan Callaghan managed to capture a white-tailed eagle soaring over Holbury in the New Forest.

Jordan said: "My adrenaline was going and I was shaking with excitement.”

White-tailed eagles can be told apart from other birds by looking for their chunky yellow beaks, yellow feet and their white tail feathers.

Playful pod of Dolphins

Dolphins were spotted swimming in the water at Barton-on-Sea beach (Image: Sarah Coulson) Sarah Coulson was walking along the beach at Barton-on-Sea in September when movement in the sea caught her eye.

According to the Hampshire and isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, it is likely the creatures Sarah saw were bottlenose dolphins.

She added: “I’ve lived here all my life and never seen dolphins here before - It was a truly amazing sight.”

Slithering slow worm

The slow worm was spotted in the New Forest (Image: Roy Wilson) These amazing pictures were captured by Daily Echo Camera Club member, Roy Wilson, in the New Forest.

Despite its snake-like appearance, the creature above is actually a type of legless lizard called a slow worm.

Roy said on social media: “It was about a 30cm long - I cannot remember the last time I saw one of these creatures.”

Snake goes for a swim

The snake was spotted near The White Swan pub (Image: Andy Passey) Seen by near The White Swan pub in Mansbridge and Riverside Park, what is believed to be a grass snake was clocked slithering through the water.

The video was captured by Southampton resident, Andy Passey, and saw residents stating they would think twice about going in the Itchen River after seeing the snake.

Rare pine martens

Pine Martens in the Forest (Image: Joshua Copping) In January, it was revealed that weasel-like creatures called pine martens were present across the New Forest after an absence of decades.

Pine martens were once widespread across the UK before habitat loss and persecution left only small and fragmented populations.

Worlds fastest animal spotted in the Forest

Jordan Callaghan managed to snap this majestic peregrine falcon flying above Beaulieu River (Image: Jordan Callaghan) Another impressive snap from Camera Club member Jordan Callaghan in the New Forest, this time he spotted a peregrine falcon - which can reach top speeds of more than 200 miles per hour.

Jordan added: “I have seen peregrine falcons before but never managed any in-flight shots.”