A Sacred Ibis was reported yesterday flying west up the River Aire. By my reckoning that makes the reserve list stand at 292 species. Of these 12 fall into the same dodgy ducks and probable escapees as yesterdays visitor. With large bird collections close by at Lotherton Hall and Harewood House we are well served in this regard. The moth trap continues to attract some spectacular visitors with a beautiful Northern…

Despite another flood last weekend its not all bad news here at Fairburn. Much to everyones surprise a Bittern was heard booming on Wednesday. The last time the enigmatic mating call echoed across the ings was more than 50 years ago. Lets hope we dont have to wait as long for a repeat performance. In addition to the surprise vochalisations the bird has also been ssen on a daily basis from Pickup Hide and the duck feeding…

A male Red-crested Pochard made a colourful addition to the wildfowl on Village Bay on Monday. A pair of Ruddy Shelduck put in a good show earlier in the week and a large party of Black-tailed Godwits stopped off briefly at the weekend. Several recent sightings of Bittern perhaps hint at a possible nesting attempt on the reserve. Raptors have been showing well in the past day with a female Marsh Harrier seen from Pickup…