After all of the excitement of last week, sightings have become a little more predictable this week, though there have still been a few unusual species to look out for between the showers and more prolonged rainstorms.
The barred warbler remained near the sluice until Sunday before eventually departing, having rewarded many birdwatchers with good views of what was, for quite a lot visitors, their first sighting of this scarce bird. The wryneck on Whin Hill was even more obliging, often sitting out on its favoured concrete post until Tuesday. Not surprisingly, it wasn't reported during yesterday's heavy rain.
There was still at least one pied flycatcher in North Bushes until Tuesday too, and redstarts on Whin Hill. Another redstart has been seen in the Sluice Bushes today. A wheatear was in the dunes just south of the sluice today, although the whinchats appear to have moved on. There are still several whitethroats, lesser whitethroats and blackcaps in North Bushes too.
Of course, many of Minsmere's more expected species are of much much more interest to visitors that our more unusual migrants, and these species didn't disappoint this week either. There have been regular sightings of bitterns, especially at Island Mere, though almost always in flight at the moment. Otters, too, have been seen every day at Island Mere. Bearded tits are a bit more hit and miss, as they are always easier to see in calm weather and it's a bit gusty between the showers.
Our birds of prey have been performing very well, with sightings of up to six marsh harriers, three buzzards, two sparrowhawks, two kestrels and possibly as many as ten hobbies today alone. The best place for watching hobbies at present is over the woods between the car park and Whin Hill Watchpoint. There was also a sighting of an osprey over the weekend.
Hobby by Oscar Dewhurst
On the Scrape, numbers of wigeons, teals and shovelers are increasing, with the odd pintail and garganey seen among them. Black-tailed godwits and lapwings are the most numerous waders, but at least nine avocets remain and spotted redshanks have reached double figures on most days. Other waders this week have included ruffs, common sandpiper, snipe, whimbrel and curlew.
With a welcome return of warm sunny weather today, there have been good numbers of butterflies and dragonflies on the wing. Migrant hawker, common and ruddy darter and speckled wood are the most numerous.
You may also spot our wardens and volunteers hard at work to manage the habitats and get them ready for next year's breeding season. They have been busy on the Scrape today, and there are two work parties planned next week. Don't worry though, as with a site as large as Minsmere, you can always move on to the next hide where there is sure to be a good variety of wildlife on offer.