It's been a while since I last put anything on the blog. The birding hasn't stopped, fortunately, but the writing either fell by the wayside or found its way into paper notebooks instead. Since I’ve come to realise the blog is the best searchable notebook that I have, it’s time to put that right, even if it means a little catching up (quick housekeeping detail: I’ve decided to back date these posts to roughly the period they refer to, although they were written towards the end of the year).
The year started with a trip to Slimbridge on 3 January. Winter wildfowl were very much the order of the day, with a good selection of geese and ducks on offer. Among them were Barnacle and White-fronted Geese, six of the Cranes from the breeding / reintroduction programme, and decent (if not spectacular) numbers of Pintail and Bewick's Swan. The undoubted highlight, though, were a dozen Tundra Bean Goose showing clearly and nearly from the hide. Excellent views of a Water Rail was an excellent way to wrap up the trip.
A couple of weeks later I was back on more familiar ground at Brandon Marsh, which was to become my most regular destination over the coming months.
My first visit, on 18 January, produced 19 species, including Goosander and Great White Egret. Both are always worth a second look, and the egret in particular has become an increasingly familiar sight at the reserve. Redwing were also present, making the most of the winter conditions.
A return visit on 8 February was a quieter affair, but there were a few additions of interest. Marsh Tit was a particularly welcome find, alongside more Goosander and the Great White Egret. Two Oystercatcher were present, and a low flyover by a small skein of Pink-footed Goose was a brief highlight.
By the middle of March, things were beginning to pick up. My visit on the 15th produced 42 species, a noticeably more active day. The first signs of spring were apparent, with Chiffchaff and Cetti's Warbler among the birds recorded. I also found about a dozen Redpoll on the East Marsh path, my only Redpoll of the year to date. Not a bad return for a March morning, and a reminder that Brandon can be productive at any time of year.
So, a fairly modest start to 2026, but a few good birds along the way. With spring migration just around the corner, there was plenty to look forward to.
