It might be October but don’t shout, the chiffchaffs might hear! Although generally considered a summer migrant, there are many chiffchaffs that overwinter in the UK. I’ve seen a couple while out and about this week but one was actually heard singing just a couple of days ago. It’s been suggested that this mild weather and number of daylight hours may have confused them with springtime. The weather has taken a chilly turn in the last few days though so it may have been one of the last chiffchaff songs this year.
Chiffchaff, John Bridges (rspb-images.com)
The flashes have been busy this week, if you head down there keep an eye out for snipe, spotted redshank and whimbrel. We’ve also had sightings of pintail, curlew and even a couple of whinchat passing through on route to Africa.
Pintail, Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)
As ever there have been several kingfisher sightings down on the cut this week, one of Fairburn’s most sought after birds. If you’ve never seen one before and are on the lookout, expect to spend a fair time watching and waiting, and it will almost certainly take a few trips. Definitely worth the wait though.
Roe deer, Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)
One of my favourite wildlife encounters this week was early in the morning when I came face to face with a couple of roe deer on the riverside walk, an excellent way to start the day. Roe are the only type of deer we have at Fairburn and their breeding season takes place in July and August. Females typically give birth in June, and males will be shedding their antlers around now ready for next year’s growth. While shy, they are possible to see on the reserve, often early in the morning.
Remember to keep letting us know your sightings.