Welcome news of the first Nightjar of the summer came when one was found on the 11th of May and then 2 churring males heard on 16th, the earliest recorded return of nightjar since the rspb took over management of Broadwater Warren. Tree pipits continue to be seen across the site. Woodlark, skylark and stonechat have all been seen with food in their mouths confirming breeding, with confirmed fledging of woodlark when a group of 7 were seen near the loading bay.
Birds of prey seen this week include 2 pairs of resident kestrels, female sparrowhawk and 2 buzzards circling over the woodland.
A pair of Madarin ducks have been seen on the stream near the decoy pond.
Two Kestrels continue to hover and hunt around the Eastern and Western Heath and YellowHammers continue to sing their 'a-little-bit-of-bread-with-no-cheeeeeese’ song. Several common whitethroats and linnets are being seen at the crossroad. A woodcock was seen roding near the shooting butts on Saturday.
With the warm weather, butterflies have been abundant across the site with one volunteer recording 79 Brimstone on site. Possibly the first record of dingy skippers were recorded last week, with individuals being seen in the car park and near decoy pond.
Keep an eye out along the paths in the undergrowth around the heath for Adders, they will be out to bask on warm days along with grass snakes and common lizards.
The female Wheater that was seen several weeks ago was the 88th bird for the reserve and visitor Fred O'Hare took this brilliant photo!
Please let us know of any interesting sightings you see on the reserve.