The weather has turned to more typical for the time of year and the winds from the north adding a chilly feel that has slowed down the returning migrants. As a result many of the more notable sightings for the week have more of a winter feel to them. After a quiet period on the sea at Church Norton things seemed to pick up this week with Long-Tailed Duck, Slavonian Grebe and Red-Necked Grebe and an indication that the seabirds are on the move an Arctic Skua and a Manx Shearwater were also recorded offshore. The Iceland Gull continued to please many as it was seen on the Lagoon down to a few metres.
The air, on the sunnier days, continues to be filled with Chiffchaff’s singing away but they are about the only warbler to be heard on the reserve apart from the occasional burst of a Cetti’s song. The passerine highlight of the week was a stunning summer plumage Water Pipit at Breach Pool which for a sort time was observed by the lucky few before it continued it journey northwards.
The fine days brought out a few birds of prey with Red Kite, many Buzzards, Marsh Harrier and Merlin all reported through the week.
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon