Many birds have settled down to nest, but some are still migrating through. Over the last couple of weeks we have seen a huge increase in common terns (we have over 150 on the reserve at the moment) as well as waders who are passing through to feed. A treat on a miserable, wet and windy Wednesday was over 50 black terns coming in and feeding over Burrowes Pit for the duration of the day. The next day they had all disappeared, but for the people who braved the weather to visit us I'm sure they thought it was well worth it!
Common tern - Dave Clarke
Black tern - Graham Parry
Waders that have been dropping in over the last fortnight include; black- and bar-tailed godwits, grey plover, greenshank, whimbrel, wood sandpiper, knot, turnstone and little ringed plovers. Many of these birds are in their super fine breeding plumage and look absolutely stunning.
Black-tailed godwit - Dave Clarke
We're excited that cattle egrets are still hanging about our Hayfields area. Normally, they would have left by now to find somewhere to breed so we are keeping a watchful eye on them to see what they do.
Cattle egret - Dave Clarke
We are starting to see some birds with their babies - goslings and ducklings have hatched and are keeping close to their parents. Lots of greylags, coots and moorhen chicks can be seen. More unusually for us (although extremely common elsewhere) Canada geese have bred on the reserve and here's a lovely picture of one of their young goslings.
Canada gosling - Dave Clarke
Why not come and see and learn about these birds for yourself on our upcoming Spring Migration Walk? Please book in advance by calling us on 01797 320588.