Although always renowned for good numbers of birds in the winter, Ferry Field has proved exceptionally good birdwatching over the last few weeks. Despite the relatively mild weather that has seen slightly lower numbers of most of our wintering species; the birds are literally flocking to Ferry Field. The first noticeable species as you approach is that distinctive calling of the Lapwing as they continually chatter to each other, over 1000 now reside on the field. This spectacle is further enhanced as they all simultaneously take to the air and wheel around as they try and confuse a predator such as the local Sparrowhawk. Amongst the Lapwing a few Golden Plover accompany them. By the water edge at high tide many of the harbours waders will wile away the hours with head tucked under the wings. Black-Tailed Godwit (upto 400), Redshank (upto 50) and occasionally Avocet (12-15) will all be there knowing that the Lapwing will alert them to danger.
Lapwing over Ferry
Feeding on the field there is a wide range of waterfowl 400 Wigeon constant graze move up and down whistling at each other in order to know where they are. This whistling is interspersed with the chatter of the Brent Geese (upto 400) and honking of the Canada Geese (80). The Tundra Bean Goose which frequented Ferry Field up to New Year as been periodically reported with the Canada’s on the North Fields.
Brent Geese
A Little Owl has been delighting the visitors as they come down the track to the Salthouse. They are then greeted by the stunning Red Breasted Mergansers near the sluice or amazed by the Kingfisher that taken up residence in the area. Other birds of prey to watch out for in the harbour are a Short-eared Owl, Marsh Harrier and Merlin all of which are report through the month. It also seems that our resident Spoonbills have taken a liking to Medmerry with all the recent sighting from the breached area.
Little Owl
Out in the harbour the flock of Brent geese has grown to 2500 so there is an estimated 3000+ birds around the reserve. Although the mild weather has affected the wintering numbers of waders and the grebes it is still possible to see a wide variety of birds on site. In the harbour an over wintering Whimbrel and Greenshank still present a challenge for the avid birder to locate. Whilst at sea for those who are willing to put in the time will be rewarded with Slavonian Grebe (up to 12 offshore), Red Throated Diver and Red Breasted Merganser.
Red Breasted Mergansers-- White's Creek
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon