Finally, a damp day! Yes - well perhaps not everyone’s idea of the perfect bank holiday Sunday, but tomorrow looks far brighter for the Dearne Valley.
Here’s a summary of the birds seen at Old Moor today…
As ever, there was a lot going on out on the reserves though admittedly wet weather gear was required to enjoy it.
Kingfisher sightings are increasing at the moment with birds being seen at Old Moor around the Bittern Hide, the Mere and from Field Pool West.
There were a fair number of waders too with ruff, redshank and black-tailed godwit all being seen today along with the sandpipers of course. But for most visitors, it was the stately greenshank that provided the best views today. Look out for this bird around the Wader Scrape or east side of the Mere.
A greenshank showing that upturned bill and those green(ish) legs
The rains brought the silver teal close to the Wader Scrape hide and provided terrific views of this busy, little bird. I tried my hardest to catch it alongside a ‘regular’ teal but it does have a turn of speed about it. In fact there were times today that it was moving more like a phalarope than a duck!
Stepping out! The dapper silver teal from Ian Morris. Thanks Ian.
Over at Adwick Washland this morning Gary Haywood reported: one black-tailed godwit, two ringed plover, fifteen grey partridge, around fifteen yellow wagtail and a short-eared owl. Thanks Gary. That last bird is definitely one to try and catch up with.
Back at Old Moor, it was the birds over the Mere that provided the best show today. In their hundreds, swift, sand martin, house martin and swallow criss-crossed the water, feeding on insects that the rain had driven towards its surface.
A swallow dodging raindrops today
With the exception of those madcap turns, most of the birds’ flights took place only a few inches above the raindrops. It was a sight to see I can tell you - and also a bit of a bittersweet moment. Migrants like these are gathering in numbers right now, feeding up to fuel their departure. Yes folks, whether we like it or not, the glorious summer we’ve all enjoyed is on the wane.
Time to enjoy those swallows while we may!
And on that note…
Until next time.