Bird Meeting17th April 2021 Brading Marsh

Two groups of six people met at the beginning of the cycle track at the end of Laundry Lane for a walk in the area. The start times were staggered to try and avoid both groups meeting up and Jim Baldwin and I led the walks. Both groups were able to see two White-tailed Eagles at the start as they were both perched on two bare trees on the main marsh. Between us we noted 46 species during the course of the beautiful morning. Other special species seen were Marsh Harrier and Great White Egret. The migrants that visit us each spring are arriving with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap and Whitethroat represented. We also heard the explosive call of many Cetti’s Warbler which are resident. Many Skylark were singing and the odd House Martin and Swallow were seen. By the pools south-west of Carpenter’s Farm were a group of at least 40 very vocal Mediterranean Gull with about 10 Black-headed Gull so we were able to see the differences in the head markings at this time of the year. Whilst my group were walking along the raised footpath to Bexley Point we were delighted to see both White-tailed Eagles flying over and then heading south west, one of them being pursued by Kestrel and then Buzzard. The difference in sizes was very apparent. In the ‘triangular’ field the Great White Egret was spotted both by us and then two Grey Herons who harassed the egret until it flew off. Jackie Hart