One of my previous blogs mentioned that the numbers of black-tailed godwits had started to increase, and their arrivals have continued with counts in excess of 500 busy feeding and squabbling on the North Brooks. I also mentioned on particular black-tailed godwit ‘WY-YX’ who has become a bit of a Pulborough Brooks regular over the last few years…
Well the good news is that amongst this pantheon of godwits are a number of birds sporting coloured leg rings. And one of these birds is ‘WY-YX’ – he’s back to spend Christmas with us again. The unique combination of coloured rings can be reported and then we receive feedback as to where and when the bird has been seen – a wonderful insight into the bird’s life history. ‘WY-YX’ features white and yellow rings on one leg and a yellow and ring marked with an ‘X’ on the other. Here is his story:
Born – Unknown
2003 – Caught and ringed as an adult on 20 April 2003 in Iceland. He then appeared on the South Coast at Farlington Marshes in early July where he remained for the winter.
2004 – He disappeared from Farlington in early April, presumably making for his breeding grounds in Iceland. He was back again by mid July!
2005 – 2008 – This pattern is repeated each year with ‘WY-YX’ arriving on the South Coast in July/August, spending the winter here and then departing in late March/early April. He doesn’t stay exclusively at Farlington Marshes but gives Langstone Harbour and Titchfield Haven a try too.
2009 – in early February WY-YX puts in his first appearance at RSPB Pulborough Brooks.
2010 – there are very few records for 2010 although he was spotted at Pagham Harbour in February
2011 and 2012 – WY-YX returns to Pulborough Brooks, He seems to like spending Christmas with us on the reserve.
2013 – Having spent some if the winter with us, we heard that ‘our’ godwit had successfully reached his breeding grounds in Iceland on 26 April 2013. He was back on the South Coast by August and returned to us in December.
2014 – Back at Langstone Harbour for the winter
2015/2016 – Christmas and New Year at Pulborough Brooks
2017 – WY-YX was seen here on Christmas Eve 2017
2018 – 18 December 2018 – back for Christmas!
So, if you’re out and about over the next few weeks do keep a look out for this special bird.
A sky full of godwits - Graham Osborne
In addition to the spectacle of hundreds of black-tailed godwits, there are plenty of lapwings, wigeon and teal about to entertain. You only release just how many are here when they all suddenly take to the skies, which they are doing frequently owing to the daily presence of the peregrine falcon. In amongst the lapwings and godwits it is worth searching for other waders – ruff, dunlin, snipe and golden plover have all been reported over the past few days.
Ruff by David Andrews
At least 2 marsh harriers are patrolling the ditches and grassy banks – including a stunning male. On one morning a small group of Bewick Swans were seen taking off, having roosted here overnight – a good reward for an early start.
Volunteer Graham managed to get a couple of lovely photos from Winpenny Hide on Sunday:
Stonechat
Kingfisher by Graham Osborne
A couple of remarkable sightings include a report of 19 woodlarks which volunteer Russ spotted flying over the Visitor Centre, and a Cetti’s warbler singing from the vicinity of Nettley’s hide.
If you’re planning to visit over the festive period, you might like to know our opening times:
Christmas Eve – Car park & nature trails open. Visitor Centre & café closed
Christmas Day – Closed (no access to car park or nature trails)
Then we’re back to normal and open every day (including Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) Visitor Centre open 9.30 am – 5 pm (café til 4.30 pm)
Please note that the visitor centre and nature trails close at 4 pm every Thursday during winter.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year everyone!