We’ve had a pair of garganey around the Lin Dike end of the reserve for the past few days; they’ve been seen on New Flash, Cedric’s Pool and Hickson’s. The garganey is a scarce and secretive duck so we’ve had quite a few people coming to the reserve to see them.
Also seen around Lin Dike were whitethroat and lesser whitethroat, the avocets continue to be seen on Hickson’s, and on New Flash there have been black tailed godwits, redshank and even a wood sandpiper on Monday.
Elsewhere on the reserve there have been swifts over Village Bay, oystercatchers, lapwing and goldeneye on Main Bay, and both green and great spotted woodpeckers seen around the discovery trail. Also lots of warblers about including blackcaps, chiffchaffs and willow warblers.
We’ve had our first orange tip butterfly sighting today and continue to have peacocks, brimstones and green veined whites spotted.
There was also a possible bat sighting yesterday which may have been a pipistrelle. Bats are usually nocturnal but they can sometimes emerge during the day in early spring, when they wake from hibernation and need to stock up on reserves.
Speaking of bats, we’ve got a Dusk Chorus walk on Wednesday 15 May from 8.30-10.00pm. We’ll be taking a walk through the reserve, looking out for bats and any other mammal activity, and listening to the evening birdsong. It’s a great opportunity to experience the wildlife on the reserve after hours! It’s free for RSPB members and £3 for non-members and we’ll be meeting at the visitor centre. To book your place you can call us on 01977628191 or email fairburnings@rspb.org.uk.