Corax67
Well-known member
I was lucky enough to spend most of last week on the lovely Isle of Wight for the first time.
I had contacted the county recorder for some recommendations and these were spot on (thanks Robin) and the Derek Hales website is really useful too http://iowbirds.awardspace.com/IOW.htm
The birding was excellent, aided by the particularly good weather, and it is possible to get in a whole host of different habitats in one day due to the relatively small size of the island with its excellent roads.
Peregrines, Ravens and Buzzards displaying close up at the cliff top viewpoint above Blackgang Chine were spectacular.
Great wader watching at Newtown Marshes with added Ringed Plover, Sandwich Terns and Grey Plover after a short, easy walk from the free National Trust car park.
Brading Marsh was a little more challenging due to no access but worth taking the trouble to walk around on the off chance of a Great White Egret.
All in all it has convinced me that the island is well worth visiting and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience there.
I had contacted the county recorder for some recommendations and these were spot on (thanks Robin) and the Derek Hales website is really useful too http://iowbirds.awardspace.com/IOW.htm
The birding was excellent, aided by the particularly good weather, and it is possible to get in a whole host of different habitats in one day due to the relatively small size of the island with its excellent roads.
Peregrines, Ravens and Buzzards displaying close up at the cliff top viewpoint above Blackgang Chine were spectacular.
Great wader watching at Newtown Marshes with added Ringed Plover, Sandwich Terns and Grey Plover after a short, easy walk from the free National Trust car park.
Brading Marsh was a little more challenging due to no access but worth taking the trouble to walk around on the off chance of a Great White Egret.
All in all it has convinced me that the island is well worth visiting and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience there.