Despite the devastation caused by the Badger on the main scrape birds are still being recorded in good numbers on the reserve. All the common warblers are being heard as you walk the footpaths and the some more unusual visitors have been noted.
Other than the birds, visitors can look out for the lizards, butterflies and dragonflies which are showing well, and we are seeing the start of the Orchid season.
Star Sightings
Migrant waders are still being seen with Ruff in nearly full breeding plumage, and also Ringed Plover, Knot, and Dunlin. Over 40 Bar-tailed Godwit have been present with our usual Black-tailed Godwits,
2 male Garganey have been seen, mainly on Centenary Pool or Border Pool, and Yellow Wagtails in the vicinity of the barn. There are regular sightings of Hobby, and visitors can look out for a food pass between our breeding Marsh Harriers.
All paths are alive with the sounds of all our breeding Warblers and 17 May saw a visit from a Snow Goose with a Spotted Flycatcher seen in the car Park.
Bar-tailed Godwits and Knot. Photo. John Hewitt
Not Birds!
Several species of butterfly have been seen with the most prolific being the Orange Tip. Damselflies and dragonflies are being seen well on the sunny days and the Marsh Orchids are showing well.
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Orange Tip Comma
Female Black-tailed Skimmer Mating Damselflies.
All Photos. John Hewitt
Marsh Orchids. Photo. RSPB
Point of Ayr
With the work finished on the erection of fencing to protect the breeding birds the Wardens and Volunteer wardens will be present on most days to give extra protection to the Little Terns and Ringed Plovers. 50 plus Little Terns and Ringed Plover have been seen on the beach during the last week.
If you visit Point of Ayr, please take care to keep away from the fenced off areas, and the staff and volunteers there will be happy to give advice.
Events.
We saw a very successful “Dawn Chorus Walk” on 5 May and there was a fantastic take up of our Binocular and Telescope Weekend on 4 and 5 May, with many happy customers going away with a new tool to help them get closer to nature..
A reminder of the events planned for the next few weeks. 23 May James is leading another “Wader Walk”. and
2/3 June is our next Binocular and Telescope weekend with the Viking Representative in attendance.
It is worth regularly checking in on the events page of our Facebook page. If you’re not on Facebook, just follow the link for our events https://events.rspb.org.uk/deeestuary