Is nothing Sacred?

A Sacred Ibis was reported yesterday flying west up the River Aire. By my reckoning that makes the reserve list stand at 292 species. Of these 12 fall into the same dodgy ducks and probable escapees as yesterdays visitor. With large bird collections close by at Lotherton Hall and Harewood House we are well served in this regard. The moth trap continues to attract some spectacular visitors with a beautiful Northern Eggar the highlight of last nights haul. With water levels now falling after the recent flooding Pickup Pool has become a bit of a wader magnet. Up to 8 Green Sandpipers were seen yesterday along with several Snipe and some Little Egrets. Other recent sightings include juvenille Black-necked Grebe and Mediterranean Gull, perhaps suggesting that both species have bred on the reserve this year.