Latest Sightings
It's been a mixed bag weather wise this Easter weekend but we've got plenty to see across site. We're starting to see a boom in migrants and breeding birds with Greenshank, Linnet and Whitethroat seen from Ron Barker.
There are lots of other Warblers starting to sing on site. Reed, Willow, Sedge, Grasshopper and Cetti's Warblers have all been heard. They are especially loud at this time of year and can be heard across the site. However our reedbed walk provides an idle place to practice differentiating between each species songs. While over on the nature trail Blackcaps can often be heard.
Now is also the ideal time to keep an eye out for birds during their spring passage. Whimbrel are an example, and just earlier today three were reported on the main mere probing the bank with their curved beaks. Last week the similar looking Curlew, another bird undertaking a spring passage was also seen on the main mere. A way to tell the difference between the two species is by examining their bills. Curlews bills are longer and more curved, while the species is also larger in size.
Wheatear and Whinchat, both undertaking spring passage, have been reported from Tomlinson hide.
Little Ringed Plover was also spotted on the main mere earlier today, and can often be seen from the Ron Barker and Gordon Taylor. From the latter hide you can expect to see Avocets, Lapwing, Redshank, Shoveler and Teal.
Amongst the skies, raptor activity is continuing. Marsh Harriers can often be seen in aerial display or 'sky-dancing' in which male and female can be seen performing twists and turns with each other.
Photo of a male Blackcap.
