Although the spring has been slow to get going final over the last couple of days there has been an improvement in the weather and suddenly everything has sprung to life. Despite the weather migrants and residents alike have been getting on with what they do even if they are not been noticed because of the wind and the rain.
Common and Little Tern
Our Blue Tit has now been sitting almost three weeks providing our visitors to the centre some intimate views of her incubating the eggs; you could lucky and be one of the first to see the next generation. For an up date on her progress watch this blog and there is news to be released later today.
Spotted Flycatcher
Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Redstarts, Nightingale, Reed, Sedge, Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers have all arrived and are passing through in increasing numbers over the last week and with the improving weather many will stay and set up territories on the reserve.
Lesser Whitethroat and Common Whitethroat
Out in the have the Whimbrel migration has reached it spring peak with the constant sound of their calls heard around the harbour over the last week.
Whimbrel
Other recent arrivals which herald spring are the Swifts, Osprey, Cuckoo and most recently the first Spotted Flycatchers.
Cuckoo and Swift
It is not just the birds that are responding to the spring many of the flowers are now in full bloom Bluebells, Green Winged Orchids and Lesser Celandine are just a few to mention. Butterflies are also making an appearance such as Green Veined Whites and Orange-Tips, whilst a few moths are now on the wing such as a Lesser Swallow Prominent.
Orange-tip and Green Winged Orchid
Bluebells
Baby Rabbit and Lesser Swallow Prominent
Migrants get all the press at this time of year but keep your eyes open for the resident birds with Buzzards soaring overhead and the Avocets on various pools around the site.
Buzzard, Avocet and Meadow Pipit
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon