A Trip to Wallasea Island

15th March 2023

Probably our last visit to Wallasea Island this winter to see if any harriers or owls were hanging on. We have been concentrating on the east end of the reserve this winter hoping to see the ring-tail Hen Harrier and had therefore not seen any Corn Buntings as in our experience they seem to prefer the area around the western trail. It was therefore a pleasant surprise to see one in a bush just a few yards from the car park.

On the passerine side the most numerous bird here by far at the moment is the Sky Lark. They are starting to pair up so lots of flying around and territorial disputes and of course singing. I managed to get some shots of one on the gravel path........................

.........................but what I was really after was some flight shots and this bird was particulaly obliging. Why can't they always be like this?

Back at the car park and a Merlin suddenly appeared and started zig-zag aerobatics chasing a Sky Lark. Every time I lifted my camera it disappeared behind a bush. Then to add to the confusion the ring-tail Hen Harrier appeared over the river wall, had a brief altercation with the Merlin and then both birds parted company, the Merlin over the marsh and the harrier back over the river wall. I went up the river wall to see if I could re-locate it but no joy. 

I had a scan across the reserve and did manage to find a Barn Owl hunting just outside the reserve at the western end near the entrance a mile away. We jumped into the car and immediately found the owl which spent the next five minutes giving us a front row seat.

Well the Marsh Harriers seemed to have departed for their breeding grounds and no sign of any Short-eared Owls, but we were well entertained by the performance of the Barn Owl. However, the highlight of the day was the singing Sky Larks as it is not very often that you get them so close with the right sun and wind direction simultaneously. What a fantastic day!!!!