Wednesday 11 May 2016

Brownsea Island 21/4/16 Terns, Med Gulls & Reds


Our first ever visit to Brownsea Island.  We boarded the first ferry of the day and stayed on the lower deck for the 20 minute journey as there was a cold wind blowing.  Our aim of the day was to visit the Dorset Wildlife Trust bird hides and reserve and the time we had left we would explore more of the island.  We had a superb days birding from the hides and a walk round the reserve. So good to see and hear Sandwich Terns as well as see our first ever Mediterranean Gull and Spotted Redshanks.  The best view of Red Squirrels ever was around the Wildlife Trust info centre.  The area that we covered was alive with birds and bird song and lovely Spring flowers in a beautiful environment.  Guess what? All our time was spent on the reserve side with no time to explore the rest, we will have to return.
We saw a total of 34 birds including Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler, Shelduck, Brent Goose, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Black Tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Avocet, Great Black Backed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Sandwich Tern, Buzzard, Little Egret, Chiffchaff.



Greenshank and Black tailed Godwit


               
                   Greenshank


   Preening Black tailed Godwit


               
                   Black tailed Godwit


   Whimbrel - fantastic to see this summer migrant


                
                   Springtime Red


   I can see you! This red had a deformed ear but seemed OK and active


               
         

   Promoting the wildlife


                
                   Mediterranean Gull 


   Striking bold colours on the Med Gull


                
                   Sandwich Tern - very elegant and agile in flight


   Tern bank


               
                   

  Black headed Gull - 


                
                   Spotted Redshank with Black tailed Godwits




                
                    Spotted Redshank in Summer plumage


    3 Spotted Redshanks - could not believe our luck


               
                   

   Redshank on a trot


               
                   Avocet - the graceful one


   Skimming the mud a feeding Avocet


               


   Bottoms up and crossed legged


             
                Black and white but striking to see in flight


   Shelducks







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