A walk around Phase 2 last week was interrupted by a very distinct noise coming from above, one that we haven't heard here at Langford for a while and originating from one (rather three) of one of my favourite birds - the raven. Raven was added to the Langford bird list in 2010, when a bird flew over Phase 1 one summer afternoon. Since then there have been a handful of records, including a run of 4-5 sightings in 2012, but none for a couple of years now. I was therefore delighted to hear their characteristic 'cronking' noise coming from overhead and looked up to see three birds drifting over the reedbed, heading south west.
Ravens are a widespread and common species, breeding across much of the northern hemisphere, occupying pretty much all of the Holarctic. In the UK, they are traditionally a bird of sea cliffs and mountains in the west of the country - indeed they remind me of many holidays spent on the Isle of Arran in south west Scotland. However, in recent years they have been expanding their range to the east and have been turning up in Nottinghamshire and neighbouring counties regularly. The most recent estimation of UK population is around 7000 pairs. Their scientific name, Corvus corax, literally means 'raven raven' and comes from both the Latin (Corvus) and the Greek (corax).
They are opportunistic feeders, taking a wide variety of plant and animal matter, including live mammals and birds, carrion, fruits, berries and grain. This species breeds early, with egg laying starting from late February in some years. Clutch size is typically 4-6 eggs, young fledge within 2 months and pairs only have a single brood per year. Young will stay with their parents for a few weeks or months after fledging.
So , do keep an eye open for these lovely birds over the site and do let us know if you see any.
Other sightings in the last week include the regular stonechat by the dipping platform, wigeon and pintail, male goldeneye joining the female that has been on Phase 1 and a glorious sighting of a kingfisher last week hovering over Phase 2. I've seen birds do this before, but not very often - the bird stayed in the air for a while, looking for fish in the open water surrounding the growing reed, looking just like a giant hummingbird!
A typical view of a raven overhead, showing wedge shaped tail and heavy bill. Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)