A misty start was followed by another hot day and some great news (more on that in a moment). First, here’s a summary of what was seen today at Old Moor…
The main news today from Old Moor is that this year’s juvenile bittern count now stands at eight – with more to come!
You may recall that this year we’ve had three bittern nests and that, to this point, we were confident that there were four young bitterns fledged from the first nest. Today it was confirmed that the total of young bitterns fledged now stands at eight!
That’s already an incredible achievement for this breeding season - but wait. ‘Nest three’ is still to be counted so, all being well, that total is set to rise. Will we equal or exceed the record of ten young bitterns from two years ago?
I can tell you that everyone’s fingers at Old Moor are well and truly crossed. And of course, we’ll make the announcement as soon as we are sure of the final figure.
Dropping in for a visit – two adult great crested grebe and a juvenile from the Bittern Hide today
Next, to catch up with the story of the Mediterranean gulls. At the moment the adult on the Mere has two young. These are now large (and healthy) enough to have been ringed - the first here since 2010!
Then there’s the enigma that is Old Moor’s bearded tit population. Why a puzzle? Well, because they have been a bit quiet of late and sightings have been – well, non-existent.
Recently, I’m relieved to say, that’s changing. Today I was lucky enough to see the two adults that have been seen a couple of times now, around the Wildlife Ponds. I was also told that another group was seen today and that it may well have included a juvenile.
As always, if you do see beardies (or anything) on the reserve, please let staff know or write your sighting in the book by the entrance to the Visitor Centre. It’s been two years, five months, one week and two days since the beardies first showed up (not that I’m counting!) and it would be great to know that they had bred for a second year.
A Canadian gosling grazing this afternoon
That’s probably enough good news for one evening, though I am certain that there’s more to come very soon. I think it’s safe to say that, despite all the snow and lingering murk of last winter, this year could turn out to be a very good one.