How beautiful are redwings!? It was weeks ago that I wrote about the first sightings in the book and since then there has been a huge influx. This week I got my first real opportunity to stand and stare at one up-close. They are so vibrant, though I don’t know why I was surprised; photos never really prepare you for the real thing. I saw a pair of bullfinches this morning on my way along the Riverbank Trail and I think I will always be flawed by that neon orange breast no matter how many times I see it.
Bullfinch, John Bridges (rspb-images.com)
Also this week, I saw my first siskin! It was being trixy and hiding amongst a goldfinch flock but I spotted it with a little help from a group of lovely birders. If you’re partial to a goldfinch it should be said that the ‘charm’ has taken up residence in the larder that is the discovery trail, and they’re great to watch with a pasty in one hand and a cuppa in the other. I’m desperate to see a redpoll and a brambling next, so if you see me skulking around the reserve come and say hello.
Peregrine falcon, Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)
One to look out for is a pair of peregrines which have been reported across the reserve several times this week. Yesterday they treated everyone to a display just outside the visitor centre and all our staff and volunteers downed tools for the spectacle. They’ve also been see over the flashes and Newfield, keep your eyes peeled if you’re out and about over the next few days.
Long-eared owl, photo © Bob Kothenbeutel accessed http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=16872159
Finally, the long-eared owls in the Lin Dike area. Beautiful birds with distinctive ‘ear tufts’, they hunt at night and spend the day roosting in a tree catching their forty winks. They’ve been written in the book several times in the last few days, and while exciting, it’s a very real probability that if they are disturbed by too many enthusiastic spectators they’ll be put off their roost. If you do go down to see them please keep their well being in mind and stay at a distance, we love having them in the area and it’s important they stay safe and undisturbed.
As ever, keep letting us know what you see!