Farlington Marshes

Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus

Monday 28 September

Up early and over at Farlington Marshes before 8am in the hoe that I might see the local Bearded Tits.  I was not to be disappointed.  First the hearing of the "pings" then a first sight, first photograph and it suddenly seemed almost at one that at least seven were moving backwards and forwards across the track to the opposite reed bed.  What a wonderful sight and so disappointing that the photographs do not do justice to these beautiful little birds.  With no intention of walking the outer circuit of he site I stayed put for almost an hour enjoying the fabulous sight.  Who knows hen next I might get a similar opportunity. Not only Bearded Tits as within an hundred yards six Cattle Egrets were foraging amongst the cows.

Bearded Tits Panurus biarmicus

To give an insight as to what was happening at the time we had a handful of Reed Buntings and at least seven Stonechats immediately in front of us and just off to the side had recorded Long-tailed Tits, Chiffchaffs, Dunnock and many Robins. Many Mallards, a few Coot and Gadwall on the pond area and Carrion Crows and Magpies behind us as a Little Egret flew across and on over the Canada Geese flock and up river.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

When the time came for me to move on I took the riverside path noting the very many Teal, Mallard and a few Wigeon.  Scores of Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwing and Redshank resting at the edges.  Further on up a number of resting Shelduck amongst the Canada Geese.  A short rest at the bench half-way up the river helped me find first a Blackcap then both Great and Blue Tits.  Needless to say, so many Black-headed but only a handful of Herring Gulls.  A second cock Pheasant was seen as I made my way along the grassy path.  No less than five Grey Herons noted during this walk and as I approached the sea wall I found a large mixed flock of approximately forty Goldfinch and 20 Linnets.  Just the one Chaffinch had been seen all morning and no sight of a Blackbird.

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

From the observation point overlooking the lake I noted more Black-tailed Godwits, Teal and Coot whereas on the harbour side a single Curlew and over three hundred recently-arrived Pintails.  Before leaving a Kingfisher landed below the seats giving a very close and clear view.  Making my way back to the car for the homeward journey I once again saw the female Kestrel noted as I crossed the meadow towards the sea wall.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Kestrel Falco tinnunulus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Pheasant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Bearded Tits Panurus biarmicus

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Curlew Numenius arquata (Front left) with Pintails Anas acuta

Well concealed Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Linnets Carduelis cannabina

Goldfinches Carduelis carduelis

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