Well the summer is coming to an end with soaring temperatures and sticky summer days. The breeding season is now over and the beginning of the autumn movement of birds. Out on the pools the passage waders are starting their long journey southwards Ruff, Common Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover have all be reported. The first passerines have already passed through with Church Norton worth a look through the next six weeks. Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstarts and Wheatears are filling up and wait for suitable weather to continue there movements.
Ruff, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher, and Wheatear
One of the highlights of the autumn is the movement of Osprey southwards and in the latter half of August there is always the opportunity to see these magnificent birds of prey as they spend there time hunting over the reserve. In the last few days a record number have been reported with 4 individuals reported on one day. These fleeting visitors are joined by the resident Buzzards as they soar on the warm thermals on the late summer days.
Osprey and Buzzard
The balmy summer evenings bring out the moths and when the warm air is progressing up from the continent a likelihood of more unusual visitors in recent days Jersey Tiger, Gem, Papita vitrealis and Lobster Moth have been recorded as well as plenty of residents.
Jersey Tiger, Lobster Moth, Gem, Papita vitrealis and Yellow-Barred Brindle
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon