Technically it may be autumn, but summer isn’t quite ready to admit defeat yet. From yet another sunny, warm (and busy) one at Old Moor, here is the summary of today’s sightings…
I almost don’t know where to start today. Sightings came in thick and fast throughout the day and, as far as the birds were concerned, everything was a bit mobile. But then, they’ve got wings ya know…
But I’m getting ahead of myself. First of all, there was a fleeting sighting of a great white egret across the reserve very early this morning. Although Old Moor isn’t open to visitors at that time, I mention it because – well, it had to go somewhere nearby didn’t it?
Next, the news from the River Dearne and specifically at the ‘five arches bridge’ was that the juvenile dipper was still present along with a grey wagtail and two kingfisher. Luckily for us, Rob Mellor was on hand to provide a crackin' image for tonight’s blog. Thanks Rob.
Dipper on the Dearne!
Over at Edderthorpe, Alan Stonier reported: one spotted redshank, two greenshank, one ruff, one green sandpiper, one common sandpiper, one golden plover, one little egret, three wigeon, two pochard, a buzzard and a few snipe. Thanks Alan.
At Adwick Washland, the spotted flycatcher was seen in the hedge now known as the ‘redstart hedge’ (opposite the gate to the viewing point).
One of the five greenshank around Old Moor today
Back at Old Moor, the numbers of waders continues to rise and most folk I spoke to today, agreed there was ‘plenty about’.
Perhaps the oddest sighting of the day came when watchers in the Bittern Hide spotted a grass snake swimming across the water in front of the hide. And so did a passing coot.
So, here’s a question I never thought I’d ask – if you had to guess, which is the fastest swimmer, a coot or a grass snake?
Using those powerful (and large) lobbed feet, the coot made to intercept the snake. Admittedly, the snake had a slight head start but, noticing the bird’s approach, the snake effortlessly increased its speed (or for the scientists reading this, halved its ‘wavelength’)!
The result of this battle of reptile and bird was a win for - the snake!
Leaving the coot shrieking in frustration, the grass snake quietly slipped into a reedbed.
With amazing luck, Rob Mellor was once again on hand to capture the start of the race. Thanks Rob!
So there you have it. For the time being at least, I have no more. Until next time.