Winter has finally arrived and many of our regular winter visitors are now present. The 2000+ Dark Bellied Brent Geese, from Russia, continue to ebb and flow between the harbour and the surrounding fields, amongst them to the patience observed a single Black Brant from the States and a Pale Bellied Brent which could have come from Greenland or Canada. Also there is one grey goose which is proving particular elusive but is possibly a juvenile European White Fronted Goose. The 3 Spoonbill have now come together and spend a great deal of time snoozing on Tern Island, whilst the two Ruddy Shelduck continue to follow their Common Shelduck hosts around the harbour leading many a birder on a merry dance.
Flock of Brent moving from the fields to the Harbour (above) and the Ruddy Shelduck accompanies Common Shelduck for a little light exercise (below)
The winter is also time to keep an eye out for some of our northern raptor species which flee the frozen moors for the apparent serenity of the coastal harbours. A magnificent male Hen Harrier patrols the new marshes at Medmerry looking for some un-expecting Meadow Pipit or Yellowhammer feeding on the seeds out in the marsh. The Merlin can be seen speeding over the spit at Church Norton once again after the small birds feeding along the strand line. A silent flight of a Short-eared Owl will surprise many including the small mammals it looks for.
Male Hen Harrier over Medmerry (above) and a Yellowhammer (below)
Out on the sea it is still quiet with many of the regular winter birds hiding in the turbulent waters behind waves, but a little patience will reveal a Slavonian or Great Crested Grebe. Whilst the odd Great Northern or Red Throated Diver will make a welcome appearance.
Slavonian Grebe
Winter is the time of death and if you look careful there are organisms that will bring new life from the rotting wood and leaves the winter storms have brought down. Many species of fungi can be seen particular on trees felled by the storms.
Common Rustgill (above) and a winters sunset over Ferry Pool (below)
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon