Wood Sandpiper
Officially I am now allowed to put some extra letters after my name. Often used B.O.G., but now a pensioner I can add O.A.P..
This also means I am the proud owner of a 'Bus Pass' and 'Metrocard'. So here comes the Bus Pass Birder. (Oh, not giving up the car just yet.)
In need of a change of scenery I decided to take a trip to the IOW. Travelling by coach and hovercraft. Then covering the island on foot and local buses. The overnight coach to London was a bit too much but the rest of the trip was very enjoyable.
White-tailed Sea Eagle
Two adults at Brading Marsh. Frustrating the local birders by refusing to breed even though they have been present since 2019.
I had hoped for some common migrant birds, in good numbers but was disappointed. The lack of movement largely due to the cold Northerlies (although not as bad as those back at home).
Ventnor Wall Lizard
The local bus service is fabulous. Despite the road closures most areas could be reached. Sharp bends and inconsiderate parking made Ventnor quite a challenge for the bus drivers, yet they still managed the task. The bus app is also great for tracking your route and for timing the arrival of your bus.
The Lizard is worth googling. Briefly DNA studies have linked it closely with Italian Wall Lizards. So it is thought it might have been brought to the IOW by the Victorians, released and now naturalised.
Ventnor Downs
Once you have climbed the steep hills the walks along the ridges are terrific. Adding Meadow Pipits, Skylarks and an occasional Stonechat the atmosphere was very relaxing. I was happy to also see several Dartford Warblers. Located by the scratchy one syllable call and occasional burst of song. Sadly none were singing from the top of the gorse because of the chilly wind.
Probably pleased the route to 'The Needles' was blocked so I didn't have to put my dislike of heights to the test. So I headed for Headon Hill/Warren.
View from the Hotel. Not bad for seawatching but not good in Northerlies.
Sandown Bay
Large Red Damselfly
Some early damsels were emerging.
Walking along the promenade from Sandown to Shanklin I heard a strange call, then the Cronk of a Raven. Then I noticed it was mobbing a Buzzard Sp?. Not sure whether it had just come in off the sea or whether it was crossing the bay before it turned inland. Moments later I spotted an Adult WTE circling high and heading for France.
Orange Tip
Plenty of common Butterflies in the shelter of the Hedgerows. A few Brimstones were the highlight but did not settle for a photo opportunity. I was two weeks early for the Glanville Fritillary so that was disappointing.
Mediterranean Gull
Meadow Pipit
Jay
On this day I managed to see 6 species of crow! (No Chough though.)
Holly Blue
Greenshank
Common Buzzard
Brown Hare
Lords-and-ladies
Very pale Common Buzzard.
Great trip. Lots of common birds, a few unexpected birds and a little bit warmer than the North East.
