Brandon Marsh

Pochard

The weather forecast was not good, with rain due to arrive mid to late morning, so I decided to visit Brandon, knowing that I could hide hop if it turned nasty (which of course it did!). Arriving before first light, it is very "spooky" walking down to the hides but the bird song of Robin, Blackbird and Song Thrush lifted my spirits. Arriving at East Marsh Hide, it was just getting light as I carefully entered, hoping that I would not disturb some axe weilding maniac, asleep on the floor! All was well, and as the light improved, I began scanning the water and islands. A group of nine Pochard were easily found, two Shelduck, numerous Shoveler and a pair of Goldeneye. The drake Pintail was located near to the Wright Hide, two vociferous Oystercatchers were very mobile on the islands, which also held at least nine Common Snipe. Everything on Willow Island kept taking to the sky but I was unable to locate any raptor. It was good to see three Kingfishers but the hoped for Bittern failed to show for me. The rain was now very steady so I decided to try the Wright Hide again for coffee, but unfortunately, a school group had taken up residence so I gave up and went home!

Tufted Duck

Common Snipe

Shoveler

Teal

See also Brandon Marsh Pintail and Brandon Marsh Pochard.

Todays sightings:

Robin; Pheasant; Blackbird; Song Thrush; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Black Headed Gull; LBB Gull; Coot; Shoveler; Mallard; Teal; Moorhen; Tufted Duck; Pochard; Oystercatcher; Greylag Goose; Canada Goose; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Lapwing; Pintail; Dunnock; Goldeneye; Wren; Kestrel; Cormorant; Magpie; Shelduck; Kingfisher; Mute Swan; Cettis Warbler; Common Snipe; Grey Heron; Goldfinch; Chaffinch; Reed Bunting; Gadwall; Jay; Common Gull; Long Tailed Tit; Jackdaw; Green Woodpecker; Buzzard.