Once again, Old Moor was a very busy place today with visiting groups making journeys from Derby and Stourbridge to enjoy a terrific Sunday. Here’s the summary of what was seen…

First of all – and with some relief – I’ll draw your attention to the number of bearded tit seen today. Sightings of these birds have been a bit sparse of late so it was great to hear from Karen that at least seven birds were seen at once, though there were very probably more like ten on the Reedbed Trail this morning.

Then there was peregrine news. Once again, Old Moor became a hunting ground for a large peregrine, most likely a female. In fact, at one point a small crowd gathered beneath the ‘cowslip pylon’ to watch the hunter devour her prey overhead.

Two questions dominated: Was this the bird known as ‘Red’ or more properly ‘PAA’, a bird originating from a brood on Wakefield Cathedral? And just what had she caught?

As answer, at least in part, here’s a photo. The red ring on her left leg is clearly visible as is another metal ring on the right. Sadly, the ring isn’t readable in this pic, but I think we can be sure of the identity of her lunch.

At the other end of the reserve, it was great to see that golden plover numbers were climbing nicely. I say ‘see’ but as it turned out, the whole lot disappeared a few seconds before I got to Wath Ings! Still, enough other kind folk had counted them to be sure of the number. Thanks all!

Goldies leaving just as I arrived!

And while we are talking numbers, ‘four’ seemed very popular out there today. Four dunlin, four green sandpiper, four little egret and four black-tailed godwit all took their places around the marsh.

A triangle of blackwits

And to finish, here’s one last picture from the afternoon. Have a look. See any birds? The story here was that, as a hide-full of watchers focused on the birds listed above, one newly arrived visitor casually asked, “Erm, what are the birds sitting on the mud?”

Yep. Red-faces all round as no one had spotted the thirteen snipe sitting just a few meters away, facing the hide. Oh, and don’t worry, there aren’t thirteen in this photo – though there are probably more than you think!

Until next time.