Discovery Trail & Feeders
There’s a lot of activity around the Discovery Trail and visitor centre at the moment – it’s time when birds pair up and begin the hefty job of building their own specific nest. We’ve had nuthatches and willow tits singing frequently (we manage Fairburn Ings to have lots of dead wood for this species).
Ok, it may not be a real one but Fairburn's star species is the willow tit - so much so, it's the face of our personal badge
The tree sparrow cams are getting their use too. At least 3 of the visitor centre tree nestbox cams are showing tree sparrows cleaning, preening and laying down their nests.
Riverbank Trail – Main Bay & Village Bay
At last! After the single Avocet sighted last week, we’re now up to 8 Avocets on the islands on Main Bay. Sand martins are being seen over the water – there’s expected to be around 15-20. Today the wardens have refilled the sand martin wall ready for the martins to excavate their nests in each hole. The wall has been used every year since it was built in 2010, but they seemed to find another abode last year. Perhaps we’ll be chosen this spring.
Avocet, Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
We had to mention that the male scaup is still around, and has been here since November. He’s been joined by the arrival of a black necked grebe on Village Bay – a duo rare delight. Along the Riverbank Trail towards Fairburn you may also hear Cetti’s warbler singing near Charlie’s Hide, chiff chaffs singing all along the trails and a pair of yellowhammers around half way.
If you do decide to visit us this weekend, our experts reckon we’ll be expecting willow warblers, little ringed plover & blackcap to arrive if the weather stays ok!
If you prefer the big stuff, the next section might be for you. We’ve been celebrating all things heron for the last month or so – here’s an update on what you may see:
Coal Tips & the Heronry –
From the viewpoint (with binoculars) you’ll be able to see at least 30 heron nests – last year we had 25 so it’s been a good year. Cormorant chicks hatched first, and the heron chicks this week too. You’ll see them stretching their wings clumsily in the nest. Little egrets will be next, and potentially spoonbills? Two spoonbills have returned to Fairburn Ings on The Moat this week. Although they aren’t there constantly, there’s a good chance of spotting them from the heronry viewpoint. We’re also wondering if a great white egret we’ve been seeing for a few months will find another Yorkshire mate… only time will tell!
Great white egret & heron - Marie Foster
A snoozing spoonbill - Dave Ward
Whilst you’re at the heronry viewpoint – keep your ears open. Bitterns are booming loudly in the reedbed, some have been spotted too. And an extra Cetti’s warbler has been singling right next to the view point.
Bittern on the reeds - Ginny Sibley
Lastly, our first swallow was seen on Monday too – if that’s not enough to cement in the season I don’t know what is.
Happy Easter weekend!
Abbie