THE Isle of Wight is a great place to watch birds.

There's a wide range of habitats from muddy creeks to ancient woodlands and open downs – and of course nowhere on the Island is far from the sea.

More than 200 species are recorded on the Island each year, including quite a few rarities due to our proximity to mainland Europe and migration routes.

County Press photographer Paul Blackley turned his camera to the banks of the Western River Yar this week to capture some of the birds that thrive there.

He was luckily enough to photograph greenshank feeding in the shallow waters, chasing small invertebrates and fish, as well as more common redshank which can be seen year-round on our coastal habitats, as well as inland during the breeding season.

Take a look through Paul's gallery to find out what else he spotted during his visit, and contribute your own pictures by clicking the button below.

Community answers

Isle of Wight wildlife picture gallery.

"Your pictures of the Island wildlife. Please supply your name and details of when and where the picture was taken. Feel free to add the type of camera/equipment used."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Geoff Simmons

What is your response?Egret taken on the river Yar, near Yarmouth. Nikon D7200

Your pictures

Isle of Wight County Press: Egret taken on the river Yar, near Yarmouth.Nikon D7200Egret taken on the river Yar, near Yarmouth.Nikon D7200

From Geoff Simmons

What is your response?A water Rail on the river yar near freshwater. Geoff Simmons Nikon D7200

Your pictures

Isle of Wight County Press: A water Rail on the river yar near freshwater.Geoff SimmonsNikon D7200A water Rail on the river yar near freshwater.Geoff SimmonsNikon D7200

From Geoff Simmons

What is your response?Egret on the river yar near Yarmouth Geoff Simmons Nikon D7200+ Nikon 200-500 f5.6

Your pictures

Isle of Wight County Press: Egret on  the river yar near YarmouthGeoff SimmonsNikon D7200+ Nikon 200-500 f5.6Egret on the river yar near YarmouthGeoff SimmonsNikon D7200+ Nikon 200-500 f5.6

From Andy Baxman

What is your response?The first picture is a robin on a fence post in my garden in Carisbrooke. Taken 22 Dec 2018. Second is a heron on Carisbrooke pond. Taken 28th Dec 2018. Third is a jay at Landguard Manor. Taken 10th Dec 2018.

Your pictures

Isle of Wight County Press: The first picture is a robin on a fence post in my garden in Carisbrooke. Taken 22 Dec 2018.Second is a heron on Carisbrooke pond. Taken 28th Dec 2018.Third is a jay at Landguard Manor. Taken 10th Dec 2018.The first picture is a robin on a fence post in my garden in Carisbrooke. Taken 22 Dec 2018.Second is a heron on Carisbrooke pond. Taken 28th Dec 2018.Third is a jay at Landguard Manor. Taken 10th Dec 2018.
Isle of Wight County Press: The first picture is a robin on a fence post in my garden in Carisbrooke. Taken 22 Dec 2018.Second is a heron on Carisbrooke pond. Taken 28th Dec 2018.Third is a jay at Landguard Manor. Taken 10th Dec 2018.The first picture is a robin on a fence post in my garden in Carisbrooke. Taken 22 Dec 2018.Second is a heron on Carisbrooke pond. Taken 28th Dec 2018.Third is a jay at Landguard Manor. Taken 10th Dec 2018.
Isle of Wight County Press: The first picture is a robin on a fence post in my garden in Carisbrooke. Taken 22 Dec 2018.Second is a heron on Carisbrooke pond. Taken 28th Dec 2018.Third is a jay at Landguard Manor. Taken 10th Dec 2018.The first picture is a robin on a fence post in my garden in Carisbrooke. Taken 22 Dec 2018.Second is a heron on Carisbrooke pond. Taken 28th Dec 2018.Third is a jay at Landguard Manor. Taken 10th Dec 2018.