Bird Meeting 21st August 2016

Very high winds and showers were predicted and sure enough delivered for our nine members who attended the meeting at Brading Marsh RSPB Nature Reserve. We met at the top end of Laundry Lane and as we were about to set off down came some heavy rain so we scuttled back to our cars for cover. Once this had passed we walked a few steps to look over the marsh at St Helen’s end and almost the first bird spotted was a lovely Marsh Harrier. She gave us some very good views on a number of occasions. Great Black Backed Gull and Herring Gull were flying beyond the reed beds. In the near field were some Canada Geese, a blue phased Snow Goose and one Barnacle Goose with two pale odd geese, presumably domestic cross. It then came on to rain heavily so we ran back to our cars. Once the shower had passed we started again and did hear Chaffinch and Robin and saw some Grey Heron and eight Cormorant. Because of the high winds the passerines were either absent or keeping a very low profile. We had to take shelter once more under the trees for a few minutes but that was the last time the rain fell. We walked along the raised footpath by Bexley Point to the new bridge wet area where we managed to add to the species list. There were a few Swallow and 2 House Martin, Mallard, Moorhen and Coot. The ducks were in eclipse, but saw at least 12 Teal and a Gadwall. Some of the group were lucky enough to spot a Water Rail. Of the birds usually seen on our walks we noted Buzzard, Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie, Dunnock, Kestrel, Wren and Starling. Walking back up Laundry Lane we took a look at the anglers pond and saw a Mute Swan and we then arrived dry back to our cars.  30 species were noted. Jackie Hart