Some fantastic birding at Nagshead today, with at least four Hawfinches feeding on the berry laden Rowan trees in the small clearing at the furthest point on the Short Trail. Other species that can be seen feeding here include Bullfinches and Blackcaps.
Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes, RSPB Nagshead (photo: Lewis Thomson)
A surprise sighting today was of a female type Pied Flycatcher which was seen well and heard calling several times along the Short Trail. It is now very late to be seeing this species on the reserve as they tend to leave as soon as breeding has finished. The last Pied Flycatcher to be seen before this was a male on July 3rd from Lower Hide. A pair of Spotted Flycatchers were busy feeding recently fledged young on the Short Trail yesterday and they were still in the same area today. At least five Tree Pipits were present on the lower two meadows this morning and two Crossbills flew over there.
If you are visiting Nagshead this weekend, don't hesitate to ask our dedicated volunteers or staff where the best spots are to look for these exciting species!