Large numbers of black-tailed godwits are currently gracing the pool in front of Lilian’s hide, with dumpier snipe pottering between their ranks, and ruffs taking advantage of the exposed mud. For those who like fun-sized waders, little stints have been sighted, so be sure to keep your eyes and lenses peeled!
Little stint by Mike Langman (rspb-images.com)
Lilian’s continues to serve as a prime location for viewing water rails. These birds have been seen slinking around the ‘reed islands’ in close proximity to the hide, allowing amazing views of a normally secretive creature. Listen out for their curious calls, which resembles the squealing of an irate pig.
Further treats have been in store for those venturing to Lilian’s recently, in the form of three elegant great white egrets. Larger than little egrets, the great whites appear to carry themselves with a regal air, their head erect on an astonishingly long neck, their all-yellow beak often titled upwards.
If you’re walking around the reserve you might encounter bearded tits, which are neither tits nor bearded, but that doesn’t make them any less charming. Listen out for their call, akin to a musical sneeze, and also for what sounds like a hefty small mammal performing acrobatics in the reeds. Often encountered along the causeway to Public Hide, these distinctive little birds have also been heard on the path to Griesdale and Tim Jackson.
Bearded tit by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
If you’re an evening visitor, in addition to the amazing sunset (weather permitting, fingers crossed), you could be treated to a murmuration of starlings, a large flock coalescing into intricate shapes as it twists and turns over the reeds, before settling down for the night. On your way home, take care not to tread on any toads in the dark!
To learn more about wading birds be sure to pop along to our ‘What’s that wader?’ event on Saturday 13 September with experts Mike and Jane Malpass.