Migration is one of those time’s of year to get all birders in a bit of a tizz as the expectation levels rise for the arrival of any unexpected visitors to the reserve. Last week many of the regular birders were rewarded by not one unusually visitor but two. The first was a Glossy Ibis which was present in Ferry Field and located by the reserve volunteers before flying off to remerge on the Breach Pool. The second was a Wryneck located by local birders on the Several a regular spot for this species in the last week of August. Where a s the Ibis disappeared after a couple of days the Wryneck was still present at time this piece when to press.
Glossy Ibis on Breach Pool -- photo J Atkinson
Wryneck at the Severals
However it is not just about the rarities, at this time of year many species are flooding through the reserve and stopping to refuel before continuing their journey southwards. Taking time to check the bushes or the pools can reveal little gems such as Spotted Flycatcher and Little Stints.
Spotted Flycatcher and Little Stints
And it is not just about the birds, some of the most striking visitors to the reserve as migrants are not birds but moths with species such as Hummingbird Hawk-moth, which can delight visitors to our centre on a sunny afternoon.
Hummingbird Hawk-moth
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon