March

 Alba wagtail (one of three) at Niton (paddock).

March

Signs of spring.

Bizarre: Tree Pipit flew over St. Boniface Down on March 14, a date apparently equalling the previous 'earliest' from the last 20 years (RBA's stats); 10 days ahead of the median first. And I'm yet to see a Wheatear or hirundine 😕

All active: Firecrest, LE Owl, Barn Owl, Chiffs, Blackcap etc. 

Mid Jan

 

Seven of 13 seen (17 reported after) - Sandwich Tern at Bembridge Harbour.

Juv GBB gull at Ryde Canoe Lake.

LBB gull (2cy/1st winter) - Ryde West Sands 22-01-21

New Year 2021

This new year's day, due to the ongoing Covid 'pandemic' and not being able to do a Scottish outing with the brother, I instead did a local IOW (somewhat relaxed) new year day list that produced only a low number; hampered somewhat by early morning fog, with icy/frosty conditions, enthusiasm waned by midday. Started at Whale Chine: a Black Redstart near the cliff edge was a highlight and perhaps the same (female type) bird lingering from last autumn. The (now) regular Russian WF geese group (25+) were still in a field near Atherfield Point; plus golden plovers + brents. Also visited Yarmouth, Shalfleet, Newtown (up to 11 Spoonbill there/nice to see), Parkhurst Forest, Ryde/Seaview (the Solent was surprisingly dead, not even a slav?!), and finally Sandown Canoe Lake (didn't bother with Brading in the end). Bonus Brown Hare x2 (at Whale Chine) and Grey Seals (Newtown NNR) seen.

At least 2020 is behind us, not that this year is going to be much different any time soon.... 

Long-tailed Duck

 

First winter LBB at Sandown Canoe Lake.

LTD off Spring Vale 30-12-20

White fronted geese

 

'Russian' WTG; 27 at Atherfield Point. Also: 6 Brents and 100 Golden Plover

Ring-necked Duck - Rookley

 Found by Nick. Bird stayed into January 2021 at least. This North American vagrant is a first (if overdue) for the island. 

The Lakes Rookley 16.12.20

1st winter Med Gull - Hersey