It’s been a strange day here weather wise, beautiful sunshine one minute then rain and hail the next! Luckily there were blue skies this afternoon so people on the photography workshop could get some good shots.

There are lots and lots of birds about at the moment; I don’t know where to start! If you came to take a walk around the reserve, here’s some of the fantastic wildlife you could see along the way.

You can see many different birds just from our visitor centre on the busy feeders outside. We get all the common garden birds such as blue tits, great tits and goldfinches, as well as some more unusual ones like redpolls, bullfinches, siskins, nuthatches and tree sparrows. You might also spot a bird of prey soaring over the visitor centre such as a buzzard or a red kite.

As you head onto the reserve along our discovery trail, you could see butterflies fluttering amongst the flowers. We’ve had sightings of brimstones, peacocks, small tortoishells, a comma and a green veined white. The wildflowers are beginning to emerge as well, there is celandine along the boardwalk, germander speedwell, bugle in the play area and cowslips.

Further on at the kingfisher screen, you’re very likely to see a kingfisher...surprisingly! As you carry on through the reserve along the Riverbank Trail, you might see chiffchaffs and willow warblers. They can be tricky to spot in the trees but you will definitely be able to hear them singing away. You could also see reed warblers, blackcaps or a green woodpecker, and if you make it to Charlie’s hide you could see some greenshank and oystercatchers.

If you decided to head the other direction on your walk, towards Lin Dike, you could see yellow and white wagtails, swifts, avocets, redshank or even a pair of garganey. We’ve also had little ringed plovers, a spotted flycatcher and black tailed godwits seen at this end of the reserve.

You’ll notice loads of different bird calls on your walk through the reserve; they’re making lots of noise to establish their territory and in hope of attracting a mate. It’s International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday 5th May so we’re running a Dawn Chorus walk here at Fairburn Ings. It’s a great chance to experience this special wonder, and our staff and volunteers will be on hand to help you identify the different birdsongs. It’s an early start, from 6-8am, but worth it and you’ll be able to buy a coffee and sandwich afterwards from the shop. It’s free for RSPB members and only £3 for non-members, give us a call to book your place 01977 628191.