Three members of IWNHAS braved the wet and windy conditions to join Dave Fairlamb of Natural Links for an Ornithology Group outing to St. Helens Duver & Bembridge Harbour on 29 November, and despite the difficult birdwatching conditions and a shortened session, we still managed to see 30 species of birds.
Amazing to hear a Song Thrush already singing on breeding territory as we approached the path down to the Duver. Rock Pipit numbers building up in their traditional wintering area on the east side of the Harbour near the Causeway, with at least 10 seen, some bathing and preening in the freshwater rain pools on the path.
Song Thrush Rock Pipit
Several species of waders feeding in the Harbour including Oystercatchers, Lapwings, Redshanks, Curlews, Black-tailed Godwits and a single Greenshank. Dabbling ducks were also feeding in the shallows with good numbers of Gadwall and Teal. Most of the gulls were roosting, mainly Black-headed Gulls with a few Mediterranean Gulls, giving an opportunity for ID comparisons.
Greenshank Teal
A couple of Great Crested Grebes and 2 Little Grebes were continually diving out in the deeper waters of the Harbour, all now in their winter plumage. Other birds around the Harbour included Starlings, Cormorants, Coots, Great Black-backed Gulls and a Little Egret.
Dave Fairlamb
29 November 2025
