WeBS (The Wetland Bird Survey) monitors the UK’s internationally important non-breeding waterbirds. Stretching back to 1947 when volunteers and surveyors count wetland sites once a month, providing vital data for population and trends in abundance and distribution. Waterbirds include waders, grebes, cormorants, herons and terns.
The November count at Palmers Brook proved to be a fruitful visit. A Mallard and domestic Mallard were spotted on one of the ponds with two Mute Swan at the top of the Lagoon. As the rangers observed three flew into the sea end with another pair swimming in from the sea to the back marsh.
Two Grey Heron and a Cormorant were spotted along the far edge of the back marsh behind the Roost. The Solent was very sheltered with just a small swell with a flock of 57 Brent Geese far out. A single Great Crested Grebe was fishing in the bay alongside a grey seal eating a sizable fish for their lunch!
© JTCT