Brandon Marsh

Chiffchaff

It looks as though Wednesdays will be my main birding day of the future. Heather is normally baking for the Country Market and so the car is normally available. The forecast sounded promising for an early start and I decided to head to Brandon Marsh. The forecast was wrong and on arrival, it was quite misty, which then turned into dark grey dull cloud, with a hefty shower thrown in for good measure! Walking towards Newlands, the female Marsh Harrier appeared out of the mist, poor light, but a year tick.

Marsh Harrier

I visited all of the pools, hoping that the two Avocets which graced Brandon over the last two days, would still be present, but alas, no sign. A singing male Blackcap was observed on entry to New Hare Covert and the sound of Chiffchaff rang out.

Chiffchaff

A Song Thrush sang in the gloom.

East Marsh Pool held four Oystercatcher, but after a long search, only one Ringed Plover could be seen. A pair of Wigeon, two Redshank and five Sand Martins were of note. The feral Barnacle Goose was near the Baldwin Hide.

Shoveller

Mute Swan

"Funky" Cormorant

Birds of prey included the Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Buzzard. At least seven Lesser Redpoll were close to the Wright Hide.

The Carlton Hide allowed views of one of three Water Rails.

Not a bad visit despite the gloom! As I left, the skies brightened!

Todays Sightings:

Robin; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Wren; Oystercatcher; GreyLag Goose; Black Headed Gull; Blackbird; Song Thrush; Dunnock; Magpie; Chiffchaff; Great Tit; SparrowHawk; Pied Wagtail; Grey Heron; Canada Goose; Great Crested Grebe; Tufted Duck; Blue Tit; Jay; Stock Dove; Pheasant; Bullfinch; Mallard; Mute Swan; Marsh Harrier; Teal; Lapwing; Shoveler; Cormorant; Gadwall; Coot; Redshank; Chaffinch; Long Tailed Tit; Moorhen; Wigeon; Common Gull; Kestrel; Reed Bunting; Cettis Warbler; Water Rail; Dabchick; Green Woodpecker; LBB Gull; Barnacle Goose; Lesser Redpoll; Sand Martin; Ringed Plover; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Blackcap; Buzzard.