July 2019 - Wetland Bird Survey

The results are in from July's WeBS count:

Loads of coots and a good range of wading birds were seen, with most of them out on the Phase 3 area. We often get asked when Phase 3 will be opened up to the public, but one of the reasons it acts as such a bird magnet is the very fact that it is a large and relatively undisturbed area. Excellent views across Phase 3 can be had from the perimeter footpath however, which can now be easily accessed from the public part of the reserve using the two new stiles. Pretty much all the rare birds found on Phase 3 have been picked up from the perimeter footpath, it gives you an elevated view over Phase 3 and lets you look across it from the Southern and Western sides.

The perimeter footpath is shown in orange on this map https://community.rspb.org.uk/placestovisit/langfordlowfields/b/langfordlowfields-blog/posts/map-of-rspb-langford-lowfields-amp-recent-sightings it can be accessed directly from the car park or from along the western edge of Phase 1, using stiles located in the vicinity of where it says 'The Oven'.

Large numbers of butterflies are on the wing at the moment with lots of painted ladies reported and purple hairstreaks being seen flitting around the upper branches of the big ash tree at the woodland entrance.

Photos below (oystercatchers, avocet and a black swan admiring itself) taken at Langford by Stuart Carlton @StuartCarlton48