Farlington Marshes

Saturday 14 February

After all the wet and gloom (and more of that from tomorrow), it was lovely to wake up to a beautiful sunny day with bright blue skies even if somewhat cold.  Time to wrap up warm, fish out the walking boots and with friend Adrian Enzner drive over to Farlington Marshes for a clockwise circuit of the site.  Arriving on site at 10.15 to face the high tide just on the turn we setoff for the viewing point overlooking the lake on the western boundary.  Goldfinches as we walked through the wooded area and then, once on the sea wall, time to view the roosting Black-headed plus at least one Common Gull and a dozen Oystercatchers on a slip of an island just off the present shore.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Arriving in the lake area the first of a number of Stonechats below us whilst out on the water many Pintail, Teal and distant Shelduck along with Mallard, Shoveler and Tufted Duck.  A lone Heron off to the left and a Cormorant resting with a few Lapwing and handful of Redshank.  But no other waders to be seen. At least a quartet of Little Grebe and at the back of the water a passing Marsh Harrier looking for a slight snack!  beyond the fence we could easily identify the scores, if not hundreds, of Canada and Brent Geese.

Pintails Anas acuta

Back a 100 yards and down the steps to take the waymarked path across the meadow alongside the river to reach the old barn.  On the field in front first a Moorhen then a pair of Pied Wagtails followed by a trio of Meadow Pipits. On the river more Shelduck and Black-headed Gulls along with a few Coot. A large flock of Starlings passed over and in the wooded area we fond both Wren and Greenfinch. Towards the end of the path we also came across both Blue and Great Tits plus a male Blackbird and a Chiffchaff.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Whilst at the old barn many Brent Geese on the water whilst the Coots were resting on the bank.  A Robin was seen, quickly followed by a pair of Magpie and as we started off up the track with scores of Canada and Brent geese in the meadow to our right also a single cock Pheasant.  Meanwhile, in the field to the left of the right-hand turn, at least 60 feeding Curlew. and a handful of Herring Gulls. Off to the distant left near the motorway we picked up a couple of Woodpigeon in the trees and near the water below the second Little Egret of the morning.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Just as we approached the eastern sea wall, with now much more mud exposed, we came across a Dunnock in the hedgerow and then many more Brent Geese in the main channel. A gentle stroll along the pathway and a stop on the first straight stretch where, sheltering with a dozen or so Canada Geese, we found a pair of resting White-fronted Geese.  Joy of joy for all concerned, including the many birders who were making the most of the sunshine to visit this favourite site.

White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons resting between Canada Geese Branta canadensis with Shelduck Tadorna tadorna in front

Once at the Deeps very many Wigeon and more Teal, Mallard and Shoveler with scores of resting Shelduck in the background. Also present a few Lapwing and the occasional Coot and Moorhen.

Resting Redshank Tringa torquatus with Wigeon Anas penelope on water

On round the path until back at the start of the western sea wall where we found a pair of Mute Swans.  More Curlew and Oystercatchers found out on the mudflats along with a handful of Redshank.

Distant photo of Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Much time spent just beyond the viewing point as we made our way back to the car to check the meadow below where we found lots of active Stonechats and Pied Wagtails along with the trio of Meadow Pipits.  On the distant river a Great Black-backed Gull and then, as we were about to depart, a male Kestrel came to rest on a small tree.  

Resting male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Finally, back at the car and preparing to remove our muddy boots, a couple of Long-tailed Tits flew into the adjacent bushes.  And so ended a very pleasant morning in wonderful company and very many pleasant birders encountered on our circuit of the marsh which resulted in our finding 46 species.

A few of the large Pintail Anas acuta flock

Birds seen:

White-fronted Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan. Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Back-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Female Pintail Anas acuta

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons between Canada Geese

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