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The next issue of the Island’s species recording newsletter ‘Recording Now’ is now available.

If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter, please email iwatchwildlife@gmail.com.

Seven people met in the unmade up road for a walk along the old railway track and along the causeway at Bexley Point and back along the fields to our cars. Although the Bittern was not calling they have been seen and heard on the RSPB Marshes this year but we did have good views on three Marsh Harriers flying over the reed beds.  The other bird of prey we saw was Buzzard – at least two early on but when we were by the pools on the ‘Great Marsh’ we were surprised to see eight soaring above our heads and one nearby. There were at least 30 Cormorants sitting/standing on the usual trees on the main marsh with a number of nests visible. Skylark were heard singing everywhere. A Sedge Warbler was singing and briefly flew up from bramble at the edge of the path and a number of Reed Warbler were singing in the reeds on both sides of the track as well as by the bridge in the pools area of ‘Great Marsh’ as were Cetti’s Warbler. Four Shelduck flew and a further two were seen on this marsh.  A Great White Egret was seen flying in the far distance and three Tufted Ducks were noted  as well as at least  five Lapwing. At least five Mute Swans were noted as were four Grey Heron. A male Pied Wagtail was feeding a youngster on the mud by the pools bridge. Many Chaffinches were heard and some seen in the oaks lining the track, plus we heard Whitethroat and Chiffchaff. In all a successful morning with 43 species of birds recorded. Quite often our walks turn into looking at general natural history and Jim Baldwin noted the following: Red-and black Froghopper, Cercopis vulnerata,, Miridae family – a plant or capsid bug, Rhabdomiris striatellus, a soldier beetle, Cantharis rustica, Red-headed or Common Cardinal Beetle, Pyrochroa serraticomis, Swollen-thighed, or Thick-kneed Beetle, Oedemera nobilis and 7-spot Ladybird (Coccinella setempunctata.  We also saw a Green Lacewing , a pair of Red Damselfly, a Blue tailed Dragonfly, Orange Tipped butterfly, Small Heath and a number of Wall Brown butterfly. Jackie Hart

11 members met on a very cold, windy morning for a walk in these delightful private woods  with the kind permission of the owners. With one eye on the weather we walked in South Rowlands wood but as it was so windy we were unable to hear or see many birds but the bluebells were in full bloom and a glimpse was seen of a Red Squirrel. The birds heard were of the usual birds of woods; Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Dunnock,Robin and seen Woodpigeon and Buzzard. We did have a look in the area near the car park and saw Moorhen and Canada Goose and some Early Purple Orchids. An enjoyable morning was had by all. Jackie Hart

After experiencing a storming Saturday 10 members and one visitor met at the Folly on a blustery but sunny Sunday morning for a walk along the east bank of the River Medina  towards Newport. We started off looking over the river and to the west bank and saw 25 Turnstone on one of the pontoons. (more…)

11 members met on a beautiful, mild morning at Latimer’s Road for a walk in the vicinity of Bembridge Harbour. Unfortunately, the tide was high at the beginning of the walk and our first port of call was the causeway to look at the old mill pond and the harbour. Mallard, Coot, Little Grebe, Brent Geese, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull and several Mediterranean Gulls were noted as well as Gadwall, (more…)

19th January at Seaview . Five members meet on a cold overcast morning in Bluett Avenue for a short sea watch, visit to Hersey Reserve and then a circular walk up Oakhill, along footpaths back to our cars. The tide was high but the only sea ducks observed were two Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant were about as were Black-headed Gull, Common Gull and Herring Gull. On the shingle there were 10 Sanderling and five Ringed Plover later joined by a further five. At Hersey Reserve we saw four Little Grebe, two Cormorant fishing, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, seven Shoveler (three pairs plus one male had an additional female in tow), a Greenshank, two Grey Heron, and besides the same gulls seen on the Solent and beach we also saw three Mediterranean Gull. As we were leaving the reserve we spotted a Kingfisher just flying away from the sluice. Further along the beach we saw 21 Oystercatcher. On a field beside Nettlestone Hill we counted at least 180 Barnacle Geese and with them one Snow Goose and a Swan-necked Goose. Towards the end of our walk we could hear two Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming and we located them in a field beside the footpath and also could hear a fainter drumming which presumably was another bird. During the walk 43 species of bird were recorded and one Red Squirrel which was at the Westbrook  Urban Saints Centre. Jackie Hart

The annual IW Recorders’ Conference is set to make a return next month Saturday 2nd February, 2pm – 4:30pm at Arreton Community Centre. As usual, there will be a packed programme of presentations showcasing current species related projects and surveys, displays and of course delicious cakes and tea during the interval. (more…)

Seven members met at the beginning of the cycle path in Thorley Road for a walk led by Toni Goodley to Barnfields. We were very fortunate as the threatened rain held off until towards the end of the walk. Our first stop was the flooded area on Rofford Marsh where we saw both Black-headed Gull and Herring Gull, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Moorhen and a Little Grebe. There were also 28 (more…)

Nine members met at the National Trust visitor centre car park for a walk on the reserve led by Nicky Falconar. It was a beautiful morning with bright sunshine although the sun was low in the sky making bird watching at Causeway Lake rather difficult to begin with. Two Mistle Thrush made an appearance in (more…)

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust are looking to update the current Waders & Brent Goose Strategy. They are looking for volunteer surveyors to identify the network of sites that are of high importance. The plan is to cover the north coast of the Island and the Medina. If anyone is interested please contact Jamie Marsh jamie.marsh@hiwwt.org.uk or Ruth Kernohan at ruth.kernohan@hiwwt.org.uk.