Well well well! This May's Dawn chorus got off to a flying start with 56 different species seen and heard throughout the reserve. For those bold enough to brave the early start, the walk was a fantastic opportunity for people such as myself to brush up on their bird song!
The walk began with some great sounds, including a very boisterous pheasant, wood pigeons, wrens, robins, skylark, and of course, the distinctive chiff-chaff.
As we journeyed along, we were lucky enough to catch a quick glimpse of a common tern flying over the feeder station. This of course got me geared up and ready to hopefully see what would be my first Kingfisher at Fairburn.
Kingfisher, John Bridges (rspb-images.com)
The expectation was building as we reached Fairburn’s famous Kingfisher screen. As I peered expectantly through the cover, I was greeted with the familiar sight of the beautiful river scenery, but alas! No Kingfisher. Much to my distain, this particular bird had managed to elude me since my coming to Fairburn three weeks ago. Despite the constant photographs and sightings from our wonderful visitors, I had yet to experience this beautiful bird for myself. Indeed, I was starting to believe it had orchestrated a plot to avoid me!
Reed bunting, Mike Richards (rspb-images.com)
This minor disappointment was quickly overridden as we reached Big Hole, and were greeted with the scratchy sound of the reed warbler and reed bunting. The walk continued along the riverbank trail where we were met with a cacophony of sound including swifts, chaffinch, sand martin, red-poll, siskin, and swallows. As we passed Bob Dickens hide we scoped out some great sightings of avocets, tufted-duck, great-crested grebe and pochard, before heading back towards the visitor centre for some well earned tea and coffee.
Reed warbler, John Bridges (rspb-images.com)
Now the highlight for me was as we made our way back past the Kingfisher screen, with our once tired eyes now bright with excitement, what was it I spied sitting along the wire? But of course! My elusive Kingfisher had finally decided to say hello! What a great way to finish a wonderful morning, after weeks of waiting I finally managed to catch a glimpse of this colourful bird! I’m still sure he planned the whole thing. I suppose he had to make an entrance, right?
A big thank you to everyone who joined us on the walk, it was great to meet you all and I hope to see you in the visitor centre soon! If anyone would like a full list of the species we saw on this walk, please e-mail fairburnings@rspb.org.uk.