For those of us that travelled to Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Brandon Marsh we had a very pleasant morning with sunny spells and thankfully no rain. To start with the birding was quiet, with little activity in the wooded area and the first couple of ponds had low water levels. When we got to the East Marsh Pool things got more interesting. The pool was full of fish (we think probably roach or rudd) and a variety of birds were feeding on them including grey heron, little egret and cormorant, sometimes very close to the hide. We also had very good views of a kingfisher and great white egret.
There were lots of dragonflies about so we were hoping we may see a hobby. At the far end of the reserve, just as we were thinking of leaving our wishes were fulfilled as a hobby performed for us, taking and eating dragonflies on the wing.
I attach a full bird list from my own notes, but there may be a few species missing. Steve has taken some fabulous photos that you can see below.
In October we are going to Chew Valley Lake, which is in the Bristol Airport area and Clifton Pits is our November outing.
Bird List
- Mute Swan
- Canada goose
- Mallard
- Gadwall
- Shoveler
- Teal
- Cormorant
- Little egret
- Great white egret
- Grey heron
- Hobby
- Kestrel
- Sparrowhawk
- Buzzard
- Moorhen
- Coot
- Water rail - heard
- Lapwing
- Black-headed gull
- Wood pigeon
- Kingfisher
- Pied wagtail
- Wren
- Dunnock
- Robin
- Chiffchaff
- Long-tailed tit
- Blue tit
- Great tit
- Nuthatch – on feeders by cafe
- Jackdaw
- Carrion crow
- Magpie
- Goldfinch