It's been a hot sunny month at the reserve this July with much wildlife around to enjoy. The new scrape has been continuing to attract a wide variety of bird species. There has been a large number of lapwing spotted enjoying the scrape with lots of juveniles around which suggests they have had a successful breeding season. Oystercatchers have also been seen on the scrape with a juvenile in tow. A dunlin has also been spotted on the scrape; these small waders are most commonly found along the coast. They have a slightly down curved bill. Their name derives from dunling which is a compound of the English word dun (meaning gray-brown) and the diminutive -ling. So, the name dunlin essentially means “little brown job!
Dunlin enjoying the scrape
The little ringed plovers are still around on the scrape with three juveniles which is very exciting to see. Two eclipse male mandarin duck were also reported on the scrape. Male mandarin ducks are well known for their ornate and magnificent plumage throughout most of the year but during eclipse much closer resemble females which are much duller in comparison yet still beautiful birds. These exotic looking birds are not native to the UK as they were introduced from China and became established after multiple escapes from captivity.
There have also been large numbers of black headed gulls both on the scrape and on the rafts in the Aird meadow. Despite the name, the heads of these birds are actually dark brown and for much of the year these gulls have a white head. These inland gulls are very sociable as they are often seen in large flocks making lots of noise and fighting among themselves.
Eclipse male mandarin duck on the scrape
Other sightings this month included spectacular views of a kingfisher from the Aird meadow hide. These beautiful birds are very distinctive with their bright blue and orange colours. They fly low over water, often hovering at the surface in order to catch fish. They are particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation and water pollution and have suffered population declines since the 1970s.
The feeding station on the Aird Meadow has been very busy this month particularly with juvenile birds which include great tits, blue tits, coal tits, gold finches, robins, and siskin.
Juvenile robin at the feeding station, Photo by Rachel Reid
There have also been a few collared doves enjoying the feeding station, these small pigeons were first recorded breeding in the UK in the 1950s and since then have become one of the most common garden bird species.
The fen pool which can be easily seen from the new hide on the Aird Meadow trail has been attracting lots of warblers including sedge and willow warblers. Greenfinches have also been sighted on the Aird Meadow, these bright and colourful finch species have a powerful bill which is designed for eating seeds. The spotted flycatcher pair were also spotted on the Aird Meadow feeding a fledgling.
Sedge warbler at the sedge pool, photograph by Rachel Reid
Osprey have been sighted flying over the reserve on various occasions, making for some wonderful views. A juvenile peregrine falcon has also been seen flying over the Aird Meadow. These stunning birds of prey are large and powerful falcons with long broad, pointed wings. During the 1960s human persecution led to significant declines in peregrine falcon numbers although increased protection over the years has allowed for their numbers to recover. They used to be only found in the north and west of the UK but over the last couple of decades they have been expanding their range towards the south.
Peregrine falcon flying across the reserve, Photo by Ally Dowd
Written by Rachel Reid - Volunteer