October Sightings
As we head into the last month of Autumn, we’re looking back on the sightings from a mild and wet October.
Kingfisher’s were seen frequently from the Gadwall and Draper Hides despite the closure of the Kingfisher Loop (until March 2020) with a pair sighted together in the middle of the month. Stonechat, Green Sandpiper, Chiffchaff, Grey Wagtail, Cetti’s all put in consistent appearances throughout October and around 200 Redwing, 12 Swallows and 90 Lapwing were seen flying over the reserve. Snipe numbers continued to build peaking at around 30 individuals on the 31st October.
Common Snipe (Photo Credit: Graham Goodhall,rspb-images.com)
Other sightings included, Water Rail, Little Egret, Dunlin, Tree Creeper, Water Pipit, Pied Wagtail and Fieldfare. Many visitors had nice views of Goldcrests, but the highlight of the month must be the 7 Brambling in amongst the Chaffinch seen from the 5-bar gate. These delightful finches can be distinguished from Chaffinch by their white rump, rusty orange colouration and flecked flanks.
Male Brambling in transitional plumage (Photo Credit: Ben Andrews)
A plethora of raptors were seen in October including Hobby, Sparrow Hawk, Peregrine, Red Kite, Buzzard and Kestrel whizzing about the carpark and perching on pylons (a very welcome sight for those working in the office).
Treecreeper (Photo Credit: Rose Newbold)
A Brimstone butterfly, Migrant Hawker Dragonfly and 3 Common Darters were seeing on the reserve towards the end of their season.
September Highlights:
Osprey, Yellow Wagtail, Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat, Hobby, Water Rail, Peregrine, Sparrow Hawk, Whinchat, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Buzzard, Snipe, Cetti’s, Chiffchaff, Black Cap.