get twitching
With a variety of habitats and plenty of wetlands, the Isle of Wight is a natural place for birds to flock, with over 200 species found on the Island, offering bird-watching opportunities all year round. Large rivers, creeks and marshlands make the island a particularly attractive refuge for wading birds, ducks, and other waterfowl, while raptors roam the downs and seabirds nest in the coastal clifftops. Your birdwatching adventure begins on the ferry to the Isle of Wight, as rare birds such as the black-tailed godwit make a migratory stopover on the tidal estuary of Southampton Water.
Isle of Wight bird watching is a popular activity, with designated reserves such as Brading Marshes and Newtown Harbour offering a peaceful and protected haven for several scarce species, along with hides for the perfect vantage point. The reserves also provide a perfect playground for photographers with an abundance of other wildlife to be found, such as the Island’s resident red squirrels.
The UK’s largest bird of prey, white-tailed eagles can also now be spotted on the Isle of Wight thanks to conservation efforts - six birds were reintroduced to the Island in 2019, with a further twelve released in 2021. The first resulting chick hatched in 2023, over 240 years since the last breeding pair were recorded on Culver cliff!
Whether you’re an avid twitcher or just keen to immerse yourself in nature, here’s your guide for going birding on the Isle of Wight.
TYPES OF BIRDS ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Which birds can I see on the Isle of Wight?
wetlands
Amongst the mudflats and reed beds you can find kingfishers, oystercatchers, avocets, plovers, sanderling, lapwing, curlew and goldfinch. Majestic grey heron, spoonbills, and little egret can also be seen in these environments. Meanwhile, inland lakes and ponds are frequented by Canada and greylag geese, mute swans, coots, grebes, moorhens, dunlins and ducks.
coast
Towards the sea, guillemots, fulmars, shags, gannets and cormorants settle on the rocky cliffs, as birds of prey such as buzzards, kestrel, osprey, harriers and white-tailed eagles circle above in search of their next meal. Sandy shores attract visitors such as shore larks, terns, and several types of gull.
woodland
Heading inland, yellow hammer, corn bunting, goldcrest and Dartford warbler can be seen in the fields and forests. Other species you are likely to see are robins, wrens, blue tit, pheasants, quail, owls and woodpeckers.
BIRD WATCHING TRIPS ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
While on your Isle of Wight holidays, try taking to the sea for a different perspective. You can find several boat tours available on the Island, and these offer great views of the cliffs and nesting birds.
Head to the Needles over the summer season and choose from a 15-minute RIB ride or a 20-minute cruise around the towering chalk stacks, enabling you to get as close as possible to the iconic rocks, as well as getting a glimpse of Scratchell’s Bay – an unspoilt secluded beach only accessible by water.
Ventnor Bay Charters offer dog-friendly one hour loops down to St Catherine's Point on the south of the Island, with views of Niton undercliff, where you stand a good chance of spotting birds of prey. On selected weekends you can even upgrade your experience with a round-the-Island trip, departing and returning to Ventnor harbour.
For a bespoke experience, check out Isle of Wight Guided Tours to discuss a tailor-made trip with everything you'd like to see on the Island.
BIRDWATCHING SITES ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Where can I go bird watching near me?
Bembridge to Brading
Bembridge Harbour is a busy natural harbour at the mouth of the Eastern River Yar, offering good protection in bad weather. Brading was once a busy port in Roman times with marshes sitting neatly between the two places. The wetland, ancient woodland, farmland and downland provides a unique habitat for wildlife.
Newtown Estuary
The Newtown estuary, owned by the National Trust, is a unique and protected National Nature Reserve complete with a visitor centre. It supports an abundance of rare wildlife due in part to the historical management of the intricate mix of woodland, hedgerow, salt marsh, mudflat and meadow.
West Yar Estuary
Heading inland from Yarmouth under the old stone bridge, the Western Yar opens out into a picturesque estuary, providing a great place to see kingfisher, oystercatcher, curlew, common redshank, grey heron, little egret, brent goose and wigeon.
The Needles to Niton
The Needles, the iconic Isle of Wight landmark, offers excellent views of the sea and cliffs as well as the rolling hills of Tennyson Down. The habitat is ideal for several raptor species.
The Medina Estuary
With its source south of Newport, the River Medina divides the towns of East and West Cowes at the point where it meets the Solent. The Medina Valley is a mix of unspoilt countryside and heritage industrial buildings associated with the shipbuilding or aircraft industry.
Brading Marshes
Owned by the RSPB, the 373 hectare reserve has four viewing points and miles of quiet footpaths with walks of two to three hours, display boards are sited along the way. Guided walks are often available.
BIRD WATCHING ETIQUETTE
do
- Wear layers and/or wellies in the case of unpredictable weather
- Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements
- Stick to designated paths and hides
- Consider the direction of the sunlight if taking photographs
- Head out at dawn to increase your chances
- Bring binoculars, and a camera if you wish
don't
- Disturb the birds, or any other wildlife
- Allow dogs to stray, keep them close by and on a lead
- Leave litter behind
- Feed the birds or leave any food out
- Use photographic flash or torches