Microbirdology

Species photographed in or near the hotel, especially McKinnon's Pond which is a short walk from the hotel. Asian Mongoose Bananaquit Black crowned Night Heron Black necked Stilt Blue Heron Brown Pelican Carib Grackle Common Ground Dove Crested Antillean Hummingbird Frigatebird Great crested Flycatcher Great Egrets Greater Antillean Bullfinch Green Heron Grey Kingbird Grey Plover Laughing Gull Least Sandpiper Least Tern Lesser Antillean Bullfinch Ringed Plover

A few shots from a trip to RSPB Ham Wall, Shapwick Heath and RSPB Greylake, with the u3a birding group.  Osprey The big surprise was a very brief fly over by a blue ringed Osprey. One was reported over Slimbridge later, so it could have been a returning 2024 Welsh bird. Marsh Harrier Both male and female birds seen during the day. The Marsh Harrier is one of the UK’s greatest conservation success stories. From a devastating low of just one single breeding pair in 1971 (at RSPB Minsmere), the population has staged a remarkable comeback. As of early 2026, the estimated population of Marsh Harriers in the UK stands at approximately 590 to 695 breeding pairs. Numbers swell during the winter as birds from continental Europe join our resident population. Great White Egret The Great White Egret is currently undergoing a dramatic population explosion in the UK. Once a rare vagrant, it has become a frequent sight across the country and is rapidly establishing itself as a regular breeding re...