Hello there! I think it’s definitely about time I introduced myself. My name is Laura and I’m the new Visitor Experience Intern at Fairburn Ings. After spending the first 5 months of my internship with the puffins at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, I’ve moved back in land and am going to be here for the final 6 months. I'm originally from Huddersfield, so it really is lovely to be back in this neck of the woods and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into all the exciting events and activities coming up over the winter months. So without further ado, I give you my first recent sightings update!
Mammal Cam has been a hive of activity over the past couple of weeks. Bank voles are being seen everyday snacking on the peanuts and sunflower hearts being left out for them, and our overnight recordings have shown mice grabbing a bite to eat too. It’s not always peaceful though, as this video on our Facebook page shows!
Willow tits were the star of the show last week, with them being seen regularly in the Wildlife Garden and entertaining visitors by nipping in and out to the feeders at Pickup Hide. A nuthatch has been seen in the Wildlife Garden too, and groups of long tailed tits have been chattering across the reserve.
Nuthatch - Nigel Blake (rspb-images.com)
For kingfishers, the best places to see them are Charlie's Hide and Pickup Hide, but keep your eyes open as they could dart out from anywhere near water! We've also had some fantastic raptor sightings, with red kite, peregrine falcon, kestrel, buzzard, marsh harrier and sparrowhawk all seen around the reserve.
Marsh Harrier - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Away from the visitor centre, pintails have been at Lin Dike throughout the week. A black tailed godwit was spotted at the Flashes on the 14 September, and large numbers of lapwings are being seen at Big Hole.
Pintails - James Lees WWT (rspb-images.com)