Ten members of IWNHAS joined Dave Fairlamb of Natural Links for an Ornithology Group outing to Brading Marshes east and Bembridge Harbour on 26 October.
Birdwatching began by the sluice on Embankment Road, looking down the Eastern Yar and there was immediate delight with 2 Kingfishers active back and forth over the river. Several adult and immature Cormorants were still roosting in the riverine trees and Cetti’s Warblers could be heard singing, already establishing territories for the next year’s breeding season.
Kingfisher Cetti’s Warbler
Looking out across Brading Marshes from the old railway path, both Little Egret and Grey Heron were seen, and a group of 10 Greylag Geese fed apart from the Canada Geese. Further on, we spent some time viewing from the double gates and were richly rewarded with a Bittern flying low over the reeds, at least 3 Marsh Harriers hunting, 2 Great White Egrets on the wing, another Kingfisher and fly pasts of 4 Shovelers and a Wigeon. Southerly migration was still in evidence with at least 35 Swallows over the marsh.
Bittern Marsh Harrier
A couple of Ravens were perched in the large dead tree on the marsh and 2 Stonechats were active around the nearby hawthorns, with Blue Tits, Great Tits, Dunnocks and a Jay seen at closer quarters by the path. Teal, Little Grebe and Tufted Ducks were on Bembridge pools, with Water Rail heard in the reedbed.
Oystercatchers and Redshanks were feeding on the tidal edge in the harbour and a Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swans and Gadwalls were on the water. We walked around to the Mill pond area and got close views of Black-tailed Godwits feeding, 12 in total, plus Curlews, Mediterranean Gulls, yet another Kingfisher, and Ringed Plover calling. 45 species of birds were recorded overall during our walk.
The photos will be in the next Bulletin
Dave Fairlamb
26 October 2024