A Stonchat, photographed on arreton cycle path

During the run up to Christmas and with the onset of the colder winter weather, now is the time of year we expect to see Robins, but did you know that the Island is home to over 200 species of birds? Those not migrating, like this Stonechat seen on the cycle track at Arreton, will be busy stocking up on food to see them through the lean winter months.

Why not look out for the Brent Goose, a small dark bird about the same size as a mallard? Or watch out for the hundreds of seagulls on the shingle along Gurnard seafront huddled together, facing into the bracing wind?

Better still, take a visit to the wetlands at Newtown and see if you can spot a Curlew, distinctive with its long down-curved bill, wading amidst the ancient mudflats.

For more information on where and when you can see birds and other wetland wildlife on the Island, see www.itsallaboutthebirds.co.uk