The Bridge Pond has been the birding hotspot recently, with our two firecrests still regular throughout the week, several chiffchaffs (including one that looks 'interesting' as a potential visitor from Russia), and the Cetti's warbler, although it hasn't been seen since Monday (1st). But the surprise was a lone swallow at dusk on Sunday, surely our latest ever here.
Water rails have been regular around the Bridge Pond too, and in several other parts of the reserve, with visitors watching one flicking over dead leaves beneath the seed feeders in the Wildlife Garden, foraging for insects. Reed buntings have been more regular on the feeders this week, with several people commenting on their absence since early August. Where do they go in the autumn?
On the lagoons, up to 20 black-tailed godwits have been roosting at high tide, with larger numbers of redshanks, small numbers of dunlin and a single knot. On the water, small numbers of pochard, goldeneye and tufted duck are feeding, but with ice-free conditions across northern Europe, their numbers remain low. A kingfisher was outside the Coffee Shop on Thursday (4th) and small numbers of little egrets remain (in some winters, they leave altogether). A great white egret reported on Wednesday (3rd) would be only the second reserve record, but we have received no reports since.
So, what will be found here this weekend? You'll have to call in to find out!
Julian HughesSite Manager, Conwy