Farlington Marshes 09/06/25

A few tasks needed to be done near Farlington to get ready for holiday, so I decided to drop in for an hour or two to see what was about. 

On arrival, there were a few Greenfinch, Whitethroat, Goldfinch, Wrens, Starlings, and lots of gulls visible already, and a Little Egret was hunting. 

After making it to the benches looking over the large pond, I had a scan out, but nothing of note was visible, with all the normal Avocet, Shelduck, Redshank and Mallards out and about, and a Cormorant was on the far bank.

As nothing seemed to be here, I continued walking around, and a few Oystercatchers were on the field along with a few Canada Geese and Meadow Pipit.

A Lesser Black-backed Gull was out in the harbour, and I opted to take the lower path through the brush to see if anything was in the bushes. 

Lots of Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, and a Sedge Warbler were the only things seen there, and a few Linnets were flying about as well. 

As I continued on towards the deeps, a few Reed Warblers were singing, and a Raven flew past. 

Most of the birds on the deeps were young, with juvenile Coots, Moorhens, Black-headed Gulls, Shelduck, and Canada Geese all present. 

With no sign of anything interesting on the deeps, I continued walking around, with a few Linnets and another Sedge Warbler along the path. 

Another birder I had a quick talk to mentioned there were some Cattle Egrets with the cattle near the hut, so I continued around at a bit of a quicker pace- I've not been able to get good photos of these birds before, so I thought that maybe today I would be able to get some decent shots. 

After a bit more walking, the cattle came into view, and amongst them were seven Cattle Egrets, all in wonderful plumage. 

One in particular had a very colourful beak, so I managed to take some photos of it before it moved off a bit further away. 

After they had moved a bit further away, another one flew in, making the total 8. 

Before too long, they flew off to the other side of the field, so I continued on to the hut, and had a look on the water, where nothing interesting was seen,  but an Avocet was preening close to the path.

As I was waiting to be picked up, I had another look on the pond, where a Little Grebe was swimming about, and a Kestrel was hunting.

Sadly, I had to leave, but it had been an enjoyable time, especially seeing the Cattle Egret so close up, a very enjoyable experience!