It may be the height of summer here in the UK, but already some birds are beginning to make their way southwards on migration once again, after a breeding season up north. Green sandpipers are the most frequent species to drop in at Langford on their journeys, with up to three seen together on Phase 3 last week and regular individuals feeding on the muddy edges of Phase 2.
Another bird to drop in annually here is black-tailed godwit and sure enough, one made an appearance last Thursday, first seen flying over Phase 1. The bird then landed on silt lagoon 7 and was later seen on Phase 2. They look fantastic with the remnants of their bright orange breeding plumage still showing.
And a third species has visited us recently too and give me yet another Langford ‘tick’! As I approached silt lagoon 7 this morning, a group of lapwing were feeding down on the mud. A quick look through the binoculars soon revealed they weren’t alone….they were accompanied by 2 ruff. These birds look great at this time of year, in transition from their spectacular breeding plumage into their somewhat more subdued winter attire.
Other recent bird highlights include 11 little egrets on Phase 2 yesterday, 2 turtle doves flying over Phase 2 also yesterday and barn owl hunting regularly over Phase 1.