I thought last week’s blog would be difficult to follow given the incredible sightings across the reserve. However, there has been a lot to see and while it may be not as unusual, it is definitely as exciting.
There have been a few firsts for the year including the first cormorant chick seen in a nest, the first peacock butterfly, first bumblebee AND the first sand martin. Amazing what a bit of sunshine can do!
Sand martin thanks to Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)
It’s been a few weeks since there have been any marsh harrier sightings reported, but this week there have been a few appearances by an immature male again, so it could very well be the same one as before.
Out on the feeders there are a lot of male reed buntings looking very smart in their summer plumage, and there have been several appearances by the resident willow tits.
Reed bunting thanks to Mike Richards (rspb-images.com)
Pond dipping season is well underway and there have been a lot of frogs in the pond dipping area, as well as out on the paths. A bit out of character for a water rail, but one was photographed out beside the duck feeding platform at the weekend too!
Common frog thanks to Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)
Also notable are the two ravens and four red kites seen over the visitor centre on Monday, the jack snipe seen out by Pickup pool on Tuesday, and a woodcock on the Discovery Trail.