For today’s sightings blog, I may as well start with what I saw on my walk into work, which was very eventful indeed! On my way along the riverbank trail, I had a great view of a jay flying through the trees. This time of year is great for watching woodland birds, as most of the leaves have fallen so you can get a better view. Speaking of leaves, the leafy carpet covering the paths at the moment makes the walk very atmospheric. It’s great when the sun hits the ground and brings the autumn colours alive.
View along the riverbank trail this morning
On the way to Big Hole, I heard a high-pitched and creaky repetitive call to the right of the path – the laughing of the green woodpecker! I spun around just in time to see one fly off from the ground into the trees. Although green woodpeckers are spotted quite regularly on the reserve by visitors and rangers who are out and about, it’s only the third time I’ve ever seen one, so it was really exciting. They’re beautiful birds, with apple green backs, golden fronts and a crimson red cap – it definitely brightened up my morning!
Green woodpecker image by John Bridges (rspb-images.com)
Thinking it couldn’t get much better, I stopped by the Kingfisher screen on the off-chance that there would be a lovely flash of blue and orange to be seen on their usual perching stick over the stream – but no luck. I looked about a bit more, because you never know what you might see, and right in front of my eyes, much closer than they normally are, was the kingfisher! I didn’t really need my binoculars, but watching these beautiful little birds so close up is always spellbinding. I even got the extra treat of a little wren hopping through the undergrowth right by the kingfisher, before it took off, uttering its noisy call.
Wren image by John Bridges (rspb-images.com)
I eventually tore myself away before I was late for work, and just before I got to the visitor centre I had another treat in store – a female bullfinch in the trees around the boardwalk. Although they aren’t as eye-catching as the males with their peachy chests, they are still beautifully neat looking little birds, with a creamy fawn chest and a smart black cap.
Kingfisher image by John Bridges (rspb-images.com)
In other news, we’ve also had 24 goosanders and at least 17 goldeneyes seen on main bay this morning, as well as a nuthatch at Pickup and a great spotted woodpecker at the visitor centre. This time of year is fantastic for spotting all kinds of wildlife - why not come for a wander on the reserve and see what you can spot!