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 platform. Another record this week saw Little Egret numbers peak at 11 birds. It is perhaps getting a bit late to hope for a breeding attempt this year but it is surely on a matter of time before they are added to our list of nesting species.
The desperate weather has led to many waders packing their bags for warmer winter climes much earlier than usual. This week a number of Green Sandpipers, Whimbrel and Greenshank have dropped in for a snack on their way back to Africa. Raptors are still much in evidence with a female Marsh Harrier and several Hobbies seen daily.
It has been an interesting week with the moth trap with some of the highlights including: Poplar Hawkmoth, Drinker, Snout, Garden Tiger and the dark morph of the Peppered Moth. If you fancy seeing some of our moths up close and personal then give us a ring on 01977 628191 and book on for our Magnificent Moth Night on Saturday 18th August.