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Morton Common and Culver Down, Sandown, Isle of Wight.
Recently, a Marsh Warbler had been found at Morton Common and the bird was still present last night, so I had to try my luck and see this elusive migrant. I have only seen only two birds of this species and the last was many years ago. There has been a small influx of this species notably in Rainham Marshes and several in the Northern Isles.
The Car Ferry over to Fishbourne from Portsmouth was fairly uneventful, though good numbers of Common Terns were fishing in Fishbourne Harbour. But a White tailed Plover stole the show, a smart individual having been found at Caerlavorock WWT, Dumfries. It had to be bloody miles away again, so Ill doubt Ill make the may hundreds of miles round trip to see it. With a bit of luck it will fly south.
Back to the Marsh Warbler, I parked up on a small layby and then set up scope and kept an ear out for the Warbler. Despite a lengthy stay, it was only a Common Whitethroat that kept me entertained for an hour or so, but no sign of the Marsh Warbler. A Sedge Warbler was singing somewhere in the distance and the occasional burst of song from a Cetti’s Warbler.
Overhead, Common Buzzards were literally everywhere, though constantly being mobbed by crows most of the time. A Black Kite was reportedly seen early this morning heading towards Hill Head, so I checked all possible large raptors. Though there was no sign of the Marsh Warbler, I did notch up some month ticks with Wren, Chaffinch, Song Thrush and Sparrowhawk.
Culver Down was alive with Skylarks and Meadow Pipits (month ticks) while Swallows and House Martens were skimming the ground by the car. Several groups of Linnets were seen along the roadside and again, many Common Buzzards were present, gliding over the fields towards the small airport and Bembridge. A male Kestrel was seen hovering over the hill and a Yellowhammer was heard singing but I couldn’t locate the bird. Grumble!
The very vocal Common Whitethroat on Morton Common, Sandown.
