For the third day in a row now, a small group of bearded tit have provided some exceptional views for visitors to Old Moor. Further details on that in a moment, but first the summary of sightings from today…
Not to take away the forty or so other bird species at Old Moor right now, but today the highlight for most visitors were those incredible beardies.
So, if you are a person who has yet to see these birds in the Dearne Valley, the time for a visit is now.
In glorious (and unforecast) sunshine and with very little wind, visitors to the Reedbed Trail soon picked up the tell-tale pinging calls of the beaded tits.
Today these birds fed happily within a few feet of the path though, it must be said, within the safety of the reed edge. They seemed to spend most time around the 'left' of the Reedbed Screen, half-way along the path to it.
Only a short distance away, watchers could see the birds climbing to the top of reed stems before bending them with their weight into a more comfortable (and level) feeding position. Unbothered by the crowd of admirers, the beardies fed on the reed seeds and occasionally fluttered to another stem when they’d had their fill.
I counted four in the group, though there could have been a few more. There were certainly two males among them and all the birds looked in great condition. In fact, it would be no exaggeration to say they looked just dazzling in the low, golden sunshine.
Luckily, you don’t have to take my word for it. Gordon Burch was there yesterday and provided us with this close-up view of a male beardie via our Facebook Page - and a fitting way to finish tonight’s blog. Thanks Gordon.
Until next time.