It is good to have Adam back on the blogging team - and volunteering on the reserve doing lots of useful work; his recent sightings blogs are always inspiring. But if you think that only the experienced birders with the expensive binoculars see the birds then think again.
Just after 8 o'clock this morning and I was unlocking the Phil Stead hide when I heard a knocking from one of the nest boxes in the trees. And again. Just a couple of steps and I got a very good look at a male Great Spotted Woodpecker pecking away. I radioed to Nathan, the other volunteer, who came and also had a good view. Later in the day I popped into the hide and confirmed that many visitors had seen it at close range. And last week again on opening the same hide there were two Water Rails just infront of the hide at the water's edge. Our hide guide Lockhart got this picture on a different day -
Alright it was taken with long lens but they do come very close so the detail can be seen with the naked eye - no need for special equipment.
He also captured this Common Darter -
Having had such a mild few weeks, they are still around.
If you want more information on these then look at Adam's blog and follow the links.
If you want to see them yourself then just come to the reserve - we usually have a hide guide (a volunteer) in a hide who can help you see the wildlife, but note that from 1st Novenber we close the hides at 3.40pm.