Raining Curlew and Ducks: Recent Sightings

It was a grey and rainy start this week at Fairburn Ings, as a result a small flood made Lin Dike Hide and Arrow Lane inaccessible. However wildlife proved not to be put off by the rain, as 50+ curlews have turned up on New Flash and can be heard making their calls.


Curlew, Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

 The mini flood has now receded, so the Arrow Lane Trail and Link Dike hide can once again be enjoyed, where you can look over Spoonbill Flash, now lively with ducks. This week on Spoonbill flash there’s been: 124 teal, 4 wigeon, 26 shoveler, 3 goosander, 5 golden eye and finally 2 little egrets.


Teal, Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

 
Wigeon, Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

The kingfishers are also not put off by the rise in water levels; they remain active and in full view from the Kingfisher Screen.

It’s worth braving the chill to take a winter stroll along the Riverbank trail, just to take in the silver of the birch trunks and golden leaves. You might even spot a curious robin, hopping among the trees.


Silver Birch, Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

 There have been frequent sightings of a barn owl in the area,  along Newton Lane then at Beck Field Quarry and at the Owl Box across by the moat.


Starlings, David Kjaer (rspb-images.com)

The skies were alive with 2000+ starlings going to roost, which is a wonderful spectacle. The best time to catch a starling murmuration is early evenings throughout November. Volunteers in the visitor centre have also been noticing a smaller group of starlings, flying above the Main Bay during late afternoon.