Much excitement was caused this lunchtime by the discovery of a small brown bird.
Eagle-eyed Dave Buckingham, one of our Senior Conservation Scientists, saw something flitting around in front of the main house which turned out to be a pied flycatcher. It's not the most colourful or impressive creature, but it's quite a rare bird in this part of the country.
Pied flycatchers don't breed in this area. If you visit the west of the United Kingdom in spring - especially places like Welsh oakwoods - you might well see them. Our reserve at Coombes & Churnet is famous for its pied flycatchers which have been studied for many years.
but late summer and autumn is the time of year when they can pass through Bedfordshire and other eastern counties. The Lodge's position on the Greensand Ridge makes it a good place to look out for a trickle of migrant birds.
So, if you're walking around the reserve, keep looking out for something a little unusual!
Love it Kate, super find, and what a beautiful little bird. Well done Dave!
Will look out here as we are in the same area so to speak.
Great to hear that there are so many interesting finds at the Lodge.
Must have a look at the RSPB visitor board to see what birds that have been visiting, and get up to date with all the finds.
Kathy and Dave