With half term coming to an end, there were plenty of families enjoying Old Moor today and small wonder as - stop me if I’m repeating myself - the reserve is looking fantastic at the moment!
Here’s what was seen today…
Last time, I mentioned looking out for young bearded tit especially around the Reedbed Trail and then – of course – nobody saw a single one today, adult or juvenile! Ah well, just goes to show that Nature likes a joke!
On the plus side, there were several reported bittern flights today with many visitors leaving Old Moor feeling pretty pleased. We are approaching ‘peak bittern viewing time’ at the moment as the female birds range back and forth with food for their young. You never know your luck.
Also, since my last blog, the first orchids are in bloom around the reserve. At Old Moor, it’s the marsh orchids that flower first, followed not long after by those enigmatic bee orchids.
The first marsh orchid from Heather Bennett. Thanks Heather!
Given it’s orchid season, now is also the time for me to do a gentle reminder that a stroll down the Trans Pennine Trail to RSPB Gypsy Marsh might be a good idea. This small reserve just opposite Broomhill Park is a terrific place to see orchids as well as birds and insects.
While I’m encouraging you to branch out, it’s also a great time to visit Adwick Washland (is there ever a ‘bad’ time?) not least because that’s where you’ll get the best views of arguably the most elegant birds in the Dearne Valley – avocets.
These beautiful waders can be seen in numbers here, so I’ll leave you tonight with one last picture. Here’s an avocet feeding by scything its way through the shallow waters.
Until next time.
Next sightings blog from me, here on Sunday 2 June. For more immediate messages and alerts, follow us on Twitter @RSPB_OldMoor.
Lovely photos. I thought you were going to say “most aggressive” rather than “most elegant” there for a minute. Either would work tho I guess the ‘humble’ coot still has the former honour! Good to see the garden warbler is still about too.