Here are today's sightings and they pretty much sum up the week. Loads of wildfowl across the reserve and birds of prey on the prowl if you're in the right place at the right time. The spotted redshanks and rock pipits have been faithful to their respective spots all week while the only thing really missing is/are the Slavonian grebes down at Tabs Head which I'll be looking for tomorrow. The drake scaup and 'tuftchard' are your prizes on the Reedbed, though a bittern flyby would trump them both if you get lucky.
The spotted redshank on Roads Farm have been a big draw for all and have been very reliable. Usually they come and go and prefer to feed in the creeks and pools on the saltmarsh but our levels and management this year have convinced them to linger :)
Spotted redshank - Jeremy Eyeons
We're playing with the levels a wee bit so it could be this that keeps them. Raising and lowering the water isolates the sticklebacks they feed on. You can see the left hand bird catch one in the video below.
Spotted redshank fishing
And it's not just the redshank that enjoy a stickleback snack....
Little egret outside the Visitor Centre
No fish exploits in the last section, just drawing your attention once more to our excellent feeding station. Anthony has done a racking job and the birds are now piling in. Peak counts of 7 yellowhammer, 34 tree sparrow, 37 greenfinch and 12 goldfinch have meant the place is buzzing. This is not only great for our visitors to see but also the photographers that regularly prop themselves up on the corner and get some fantastic shots like these! Check out our Flickr page for more pictures from across the reserve.
Yellowhammer - Macca
Starling - Macca
Goldfinch - Macca
And before I sign off, don't forget to head to Freiston if you've yet to see white-fronted geese this year. There are 4 still down at the Southern end with a couple of stonechat kicking around for some supporting cast. Remember to check through the crops for corn bunting and brambling too.
And that's yer lot! Well it isn't really, it's just a nudge to come down here and experience this and more for yourself. If you can't pay us a visit soon keep your finger on the Lincolnshire Wash Reserves pulse by following us on Twitter and giving us a ‘like’ on Facebook. Alternatively if you enjoy taking pictures and have a Flickr account then please join our group and share your images with everyone. If you are thinking of paying a visit from near or far please do check out the tide times which can make a big difference to both numbers and variety of birds seen on the day.
The more you're out the more you see - https://twitter.com/BoyWonderBirder