Well at least the sight of 300 Goldfinches is. Scattered in flocks around the reserve and surrounding farmland they look stunning and are keeping good company with plenty of Linnets, Tree Sparrows, Chaffinches and Greenfinches. Not just the human visitors to the reserve that has been attracted by their presence though, but Sparrowhawks are almost constantly buzzing the reserve and the Goldfinches at the moment and earlier in the week particular pandemonium was caused by a Merlin which whipped through over the fields.
Talking of buzzing, the reserve is alive with insects (on the less rainy days) and Wall butterfly along with Painted Lady and Small Copper brightened the day recently and there are thousands upon thousands of Ladybirds. Amazing.
The skies are filled with Swallows and Martins moving out of the Country and do check the bushes around the Dell for warblers. Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat are regular, but anything is possible and with a Greenish Warbler nearby on the Flamborough Headland we are forever optimistic.
On the cliffs Fulmar chicks are still present either very fluffy, or pristine and adult like and new fledging of Gannets is a daily event. Pop along to Staple Newk to enjoy.