Farlington Marshes, Northney Paddocks, Hayling Oysterbeds- 09/09/25

 Over the past week, an incredible influx of Glossy Ibis has arrived on our shores, with well over 300 individuals seen, including some flocks up to above 40. Not wanting to miss out, I headed down to Farlington after finishing school to see if I could pick up the one there.

After arriving, I walked along the path to the visitor hut to look over the stream. Nothing of note was visible, with plenty of ducks and waders present. I walked along the path adjacent to the stream towards the bench, where a single Little Stint was visible a bit of a way out. 

With nothing else showing there, I continued on along the path when a bird flying away from me above the reeds caught my attention. As soon as I saw its side on profile, I knew what it was. The curved beak and wing shapes were obvious; this was the Glossy Ibis I had been hoping for.

It flew up and about for 30 seconds or so before dropping down in the reeds.

I had only ever seen a Glossy Ibis once before, early last year, so I was pleased to add it to my year list and also see one again - they are definitely one of the more exotic species we have here. It soon disappeared from view, so I walked on towards the main lake. 

Amongst the cattle, at least 10 Yellow Wagtails were feeding.

The lake was very packed, with large quantities of Redshank, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwits, Grey Plover, Dunlin and Greenshank. There was also a Bar-tailed Godwit, one Golden Plover, and a few Knot.

I walked back along the stream to see if the Little Stint and Glossy were showing again, and a Swallow perched up along the way.

There was no sign of the Glossy, but two Little Stints were seen along the stream. 

As nothing else seemed to be about, I decided to bike to Hayling Island to see if I could finally get a Pied Flycatcher...

At the paddocks, I did manage a Spotted Flycatcher calling from behind a bush, but that was all. 

I then went to the Oysterbeds to see if anything interesting was there, with lots of Ringed Plovers, a Great Black-Backed Gull, three Common Sandpipers and a few Common Terns, all that was seen.

I had to go back and catch my train, so I left Hayling and went back to Havant. 

Another good trip, with a great species seen, and another new bird for my year list( now at 183, I think). Hopefully, the bad weather over the next week will bring something good.