I’m almost a month into my internship here at Fairburn already, and how quickly the scenery has turned since I first arrived. The temperature has dropped and each morning, frost covers surrounding fields, but the early mornings are worth it for the sight of mist lifting over the main lake. The first of this season’s snowfall has given us a taste of winter, whilst the warden team begin to make preparations for exciting habitat work, which will bring the reserve and wildlife a new lease of life once Spring rolls back around.
If you’re feeling up for a brisk walk, a stonechat was seen braving the cold up on the Coal Tips trail, which is a nice thing to see in this area. A marsh harrier, peregrine, red kite and kestrel have been seen up in the sky this past week.
Female stonechat, Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Warm up with a coffee on the Visitor Centre balcony, to enjoy the generous sightings of goldcrests that have been feeding in our bird garden, amongst robins, bullfinches, long tailed tits and siskins (to name just a few.)
Goldcrest, John Bridges (rspb-images.com)
Something which I found quite interesting from the sightings book this week was a treecreeper. This is a bird which I’ve never knowingly seen, despite it being resident to the UK, but am quite intrigued by and so I shall be keeping an eye out whilst out and about. Also spotted at Lin Dike were 37 redwings, 197 shovelers, 8 pintail and a mealy redpoll.
Things are getting a little bit festive too, as we make preparations for our Wreath Building workshop – which will take full advantage of all the lush evergreens and seasonal berries on the reserve at the moment. I personally really look forward to this event; getting the chance to learn a new skill whilst filling up on all the mince pies, yes please! Also watch this space for an upcoming wintery wildlife trail...