A much overlooked bird around the reserve is the tree sparrow, there is a very healthy population concentrated around the visitor centre. There are screens in the visitor centre from which you can watch the comings and goings of the breeding tree sparrows in the nest boxes around the centre, a nice way to have a breather out of the sun with an ice cream.
Tree sparrows suffered a severe decline since the 1970’s, the UK population declined by an alarming 93% and they are now a red-listed species (critically endangered). So the next time you visit take a look around at these handsome sparrows, we are so privileged and lucky to have them around in such good numbers.
Tree sparrow - Joe Seymour (Seph Photography)
Coal Tips
The female bittern is still seen frequently on feeding flights, this is a good time to catch a glimpse of this elusive bird as it returns with food. Hopefully it won’t be too long before the juveniles fledge and appear and then the fun will start, they appeared in some very strange locations over the reserve last year giving some stunning views to onlookers.
A pair of black-necked grebes have been seen with 3 young on the west lagoon, binoculars or preferably a scope are recommended as they can be distant. Little grebes and great-crested grebes are also on view with their new families.
Great-crested grebe and juvenile - Keith Boyer
Other sightings have been of bearded tits, a pair of grey partridge and a hobby seen overhead. Yellowhammers have also been seen around the area of big hole and the riverbank trail. The last cuckoo reported was on the 19th June, one would imagine that this bird will now be on the long journey home. A note of interest is the cuckoo with the “stutter” was heard at Thorne Moors a week ago. The most notable sighting was of an adult little gull which made a brief visit on the morning of June 30th.
Main Bay
Up to 2 adult ringed plovers have been noted, and also an adult with a juvenile. Also a little ringed plover was seen with a juvenile as well on main bay islands. Another notable sighting has been a green sandpiper, usually seen on the far bank behind the islands or on the bank to the right of the islands towards the feeding platform.
Avocets are tending to congregate in the mud around the feeding platform. Other sightings have been up to 4 oystercatchers, shelduck with 3 young, kingfisher, teal, common tern and 2 egyptian geese.
A grasshopper warbler was also reported in the area of the feeding platform on 22nd June.
Flashes / Lin Dike
A bit of a surprise on the smaller hicksons flash (past lin dike hide, under the iron bridge and turn right at the top of the path) amongst the reeds was of two bearded tits on the 28th June. An adult male and a juvenile female giving very good close views.
Juvenile female bearded tit - Pete M
The spoonbills continue to be the centre of attention, the new viewing point is proving to be very popular giving great view of the nest. There are 4 young in the nest now and it’s getting a little crowded. Up to 12 spoonbills have now been seen around the moat heronry. Little egrets have quietly gone about their business and the latest count was of 15 juvenile birds that have been raised. Other sightings have been of a single whooper swan, 2 egyptian geese (as per main bay), and a grey wagtail. 3 cetti’s warblers heard around the area on the 28th June.
Other
Butterflies that have been noted around the reserve are speckled wood, large white, large skipper, small skipper, brimstone, small white, meadow brown, ringlet, gatekeeper, marbled white and a very early “unwell” purple hairstreak reported on the riverbank trail.
Ringlet - Pete M
There also good numbers of six-spot burnet moths to be seen on the coal tips.
Six-spot burnet - Pete M
Dragonflies recorded so far have been emperor, four-spotted chaser, black-tailed skimmer, broad bodied chaser and ruddy darter.
Damselflies recorded so far have been blue-tailed damselfly, large red damselfly, azure damselfly, common blue, and banded demoiselle.
Ruddy darter - Pete M
An eye catching small insect found on the dead tree by the board walk is the glittering, metallic ruby-tailed wasp. When caught in the sun these tiny wasps are quite beautiful.
Ruby-tailed wasp - Keith Boyer