After a pretty dismal summer weather-wise, the better weather in August was a welcome relief! It was a great month for raptors, with osprey spotted hunting on both the Barr Loch and Aird Meadow throughout the month, a peregrine over the Aird Meadow on the 14th, frequent sightings of kestrel, and a male hen harrier over the Barr Loch on the 31st. However, the osprey wasn’t the only bird that the fish had to worry about, as a pair of kingfisher was seen in the Lochall Channels on the 25th. Common sandpiper on the edge of the channel on the 29th was another highlight.
The warm weather continued into September, and possibly our most surprising sighting of the month was the appearance of a ring-necked parakeet at the feeders on the 23rd. Although originally confined to central Asia and central Africa, the ring-necked parakeet has massively increased in its range due to escaped pet birds. It is well-known for its adaptability and resilience, with roughly 8,600 pairs living in London. Unfortunately, they are also known for forming large and very noisy flocks. Luckily the single bird who visited the reserve is just an escapee called “Elvis” who has been on the loose for several months and doesn’t seem keen to give up his new-found freedom to return to his owner! The parakeet has since been spotted several times out on the reserve – hopefully he doesn’t find a mate, but for now those of you with Suspicious Minds who are All Shook Up by our unusual visitor can rest easy.
As for native bird species seen during the month, there were numerous sightings of hen harrier, buzzard and sparrowhawk on the Aird Meadow. Our last osprey of the year was spotted on September 1st when it flew over the Aird Meadow and attempted fishing in the loch.
October proved to be a great month at the reserve for unusual birds. Gadwall were seen throughout the month on the Aird Meadow and Barr Loch, while a ringtail hen harrier infrequently appeared to hunt across the Aird Meadow. Continuing into mid-October, things began to get busier, with a male stonechat spotted at the Barr Loch, golden plover also seen flying over the Barr Loch on the 15th, and large flocks of redwing and fieldfare seen on the reserve from the 15th onwards. A little egret landed on the Aird Meadow on the 25th and spent some time there before flying off – this was our second sighting of the year, and only our 3rd record ever on the reserve. Sporadic sightings of kingfisher were a vibrant treat during the latter part of the month – they have taken to using our kingfisher perches on the edges of the pond, and have been successfully catching fish! A short-eared owl has also been spotted in October, hunting during the twilight hours of the 29th and 31st at the south end of the Barr Loch.
Now the days are shortening and winter is approaching - let’s hope the colder weather will be bring plenty more exciting bird species to round off the year!