The chicks are cheeping, the rabbits are roaming – it can only be Easter weekend!
To mark the festivities we celebrated with an egg-cellent (ahem) Birdsong for Beginners event. The fabulous Andy Chapman and three enthusiastic volunteers were onsite early to tell people all about the sounds and songs of spring.
It was an early start for most and our visitors weren’t disappointed!
Sedge warblers put on a wonderful show. Their raspy calls could be heard out across the reedbed from the causeway. One particular songbird clung to the top of a willow tree to sing out his peculiar flutey song before diving back down again into the reeds.
Sedge warbler by David Mower
It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a reed and sedge warbler. However, it’s worth taking the time to stop and listen. A reed warbler sticks to the same pattern of notes and will tend to stay hidden below the reed heads. Whilst a sedge warbler may start off with a similar song, it quickly rises into high-pitched trills and a spectacular leap into the air which is part of its mating display.
This is the perfect time for warblers. Blackcaps and chiffchaffs can be seen all across the site.
A reed bunting made its small, discrete call and even showed its black cap and white moustache before swooping away.
Reed bunting by Brian Salisbury
The event was a big success - everyone was able to tune in their ears before enjoying a bacon bap from our cafe.
Other recent sightings include the pair of garganeys which have hunkered down at Grisedale hide. A grasshopper warbler can be seen (and heard!) on the path before Allen and Eric Morecambe hides. Its unmistakable trill sounds just like a grasshopper. Listen out carefully – this one is singing quietly, warming up for the season.
If you missed our Birdsong for Beginners event you can always catch our second session on Sunday 25 May. Limited places only, so book fast!