Farlington marshes
Today and a first visit to Farlington marshes, a Hampshire and Isle of Wight wildlife trust nature reserve, and according to their web site
” it is one of the Trust’s oldest reserve and one that visitors return to year after year. This site is a coastal grazing marsh and lagoon which has several pools, both freshwater and brackish, and a broad stream which provide feeding and roosting sites for waders and wildfowl. It is internationally important for the bird population that is supports, such as bearded tit, sedge and reed warblers. Many flowering plants have also been recorded here, including unusual species such as sea barley and corky-fruited waterdropwort.”
Click this link to go direct to wildlife trusts Farlington marsh web site.
We parked at the car park located just off the A27/A2030 roundabout, and followed an easy circular path. On this visit main sightings were of waders and wildfowl, and in most instances viewed a reasonable distance away, which requires the use of a good long lens for a decent picture. The tide was in, so perhaps there may be more close up photo opportunities when the tide is out.
Here are the best shots from the day, with a couple of yet to be identified birds.
A wide angle shot showing the waders on show, including Black-tailed Godwits (Limosa limosa) and Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus).
Closer up
The Black-tailed Godwits caught in flight towards the end of the walk.
There were two types of Geese, the Brent Goose (Branta leucopsis).
and the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis).
and the yet to be identified birds
A bunting?
and a possible immature Yellow-legged Gull (Larus (cachinnans) michahellis) ?
The other gulls on show can be seen behind this shot including immature Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) and Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus).
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