Brownsea Island, Dorset

Little Gull Larus minutus

Friday 23 May

The weather remained dry and sunny as we made our way to Poole harbour to take the ferry across to Brownsea Island this morning arriving just before 10.30.  Lots of Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns, along with a single Sandwich Tern, as we made our way along the eastern shore to the dock. As we neared the dock with the the lagoon on the other side of the harbour wall we could see the resting and breeding sea birds with a few Herring Gulls closer to the exterior wall.  As soon as we landed we immediately headed along the boardwalk to the newly opened The Lookout.  Very impressive with good sightings of birds from behind the large glass windows.  Lots of nearby nesting Great Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls with many Shelduck on the open water.  Also present at least a trio of Cormorant plus two pairs of Canada Geese. nearby both Oystercatcher and a couple of Little Egrets.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Moving on along the boardwalk we recorded many Blue and Great Tits, all making use of the numerous bird boxes in the trees to the left.  Lots of Chiffchaffs and Wrens with a couple of Carrion Crows and regular Woodpigeon sightings.  Jenny found the first cock Pheasant before I arrived on to the two hides, stopping briefly at the tent manged by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.  Approaching the Avocet Hide a couple of cock Pheasants walking the path in front of me and happily strolling along as I overtook them without any reaction.  However, It was to the Tern Hide, situated at the far end of the path, that I first made my way to.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Once inside the hide the noise of the breeding birds increased dramatically and right in front of me a number of small islands, all protected by a fence that hindered photographs but still gave excellent views of the breeding Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls, but mainly of the former.   A little closer study then found the small island that held the breeding Sandwich Terns. On the water to the right more Shelduck.

Mainly Common Terns Sterndoa hirundo

Forcing myself to move on as we were booked on the 11.40 electric bus tour of the island, I next stopped at the Avocet Hide after noting a few passing Jackdaws and more Chiffchaff.  Much the same as the Tern Hide in terms of the breeding Black-headed Gull and both Common and Sandwich Terns but this time without the fencing, so giving even clearer views of the birds.  within minutes of arriving a Little Gull landed on the water within five yards of the hide and giving excellent views.  What a privilege.

Breeding Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis

Time to head back to the start to catch the electric bus and finding many more Wrens and Chiffchaffs along with Blackbirds on the way. With just we two as passengers for the hour's informative tour it was a real treat.  Experienced and knowledgible guides and most happy to stop and let us take photographs of the area as well as the birds.   Both Dunnock and Goldfinch as we started our ride and a first stop to admire the two Greylag Geese families before a stop at the far end of the island where I noticed a Mistle Thrush which obligingly stopped as it reached the first tree away from the grass upon which it had been feeding.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Almost back at the start and we were able to leave the bus at the church to explore the area favoured for its Red Squirrels (but not seen) and as we ate our picnic lunch we had both Greylag Geese families plus a lone adult in attendance. 

Greylag Goose Anser anser with one of its three goslings

The Greylag Goose family

Then, approaching from my left, a single Sika Deer made its way into the area before passing right in front of me.  Lovely sight.  Also present more Carrion Crows and Jackdaws but no Magpie.

Sika Deer Cervus nippon

Arriving back at Poole we called in at the local ASDA superstore and, sure enough, the local Peregrine Falcon was resting atop the building watching over its nest with three newly hatched youngsters.

Male Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Peregrine Falcon, Oystercatcher, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Woodpigeon, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch

SandwichTern Sterna sandvicensis

Little Gull Larus minimus

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

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