Recent Sightings

Two Black Redstarts have been on the reserve for some time now, favouring the bank of the main pool nearest to Sandsifter. Spring has sprung in the shape of two or three early migrant Wheatears and the first Sand Martin went through last night (Thanks Tim Twiggs). Tufted Duck numbers have been good with up to 27 birds on the main pool. The pool has also attracted Little Grebe, shoveler, gadwall and Canada Goose recently. A pair of Redshank have been present for a few days now and Shelduck numbers should soon be increasing. Thanks for those who have submitted sightings recently.

Wheatear (A.Hugo)

Recent Reports

Sam Williams saw four Wheatears on the reserve on the 14th and managed the great shot shown here. He also reports lots of Sand Martins and eight Swallows.

Weekend Sightings

Terry Hasdell found a Common Sandpiper on the main pool on Sunday and Sam Williams reports plenty of Sand Martins, Swallows and of course, Shelduck on Saturday. Thanks to Sam for the great photo of Sand Martin in flight.

Drive by sightings

A quick drive past the reserve this morning and birds observed from the car were four male Wheatear between the main pool and the road and 16 Shelduck doing what Shelducks do. A Kestrel flew NW over the pool and still plenty of Skylark singing. Also about 15 Sand Martins over the main pool.

Recent Sightings

Though the weather has been superb over the last few days with light winds from the south and clear skies, there hasn't been much in the way of birds. Derek Jenkins had four Male and a female Wheatear on the 18th with a few Sand Martins along the Red River and Chris Yates had two male Wheatear around the mian pool on the morning of the 19th.

Six Shelduck were doing the springtime chasing and fighting thing this morning (21st) on the main pool and two Male Wheatears were on the open grass between the main pool and the road. The Phal killing Buzzard was walking up and down the bank of the island in aniticipation of another easy snack and there are still plenty of Skylark singing. Photo right; M.Sallis.

Late news from the Weekend

Bit of late news from Tim Twiggs who visited the reserve on Saturday and Sunday: A summer plumaged Water Pipit was around the main pool on Saturday with 8 Sand Martins and an adult Kittiwake also present. On Sunday there were two male Wheatears on the reserve.

Matt Sallis was also there on Sunday morning and captured the Wheatears on film. Matt also states that Skylarks were very abundant.

July 2008 sightings

Monday 28th July 2008 - WOOD SANDPIPER still on main pool (C.Yates)

Sunday 27th July - WOOD SANDPIPER on east side of main pool. Female Shoveler on reedbed pool then flew onto main pool. Little Grebe, Common Sandpiper and juv Heron still. Also Reed Bunting (2) on sedge covered pool. Lots of juv Rock Pipits and Pied Wags. ( from P.Freestone)

Friday 25th July - Little Grebe, Grey Heron (juv), Common Sandpiper (1), Greenshank (1) on main Pool. Also Shelduck (4 juvs), Linnet (10+), Rock Pipit (8+), Skylark (2) and Fulmar over. Still plenty of Sand Martins around. (from P.Freestone)

Saturday 11th July - Little Grebe, Tufted Duck (fem), GBB Gull (1), Lssr BB Gull (1), Herring Gull (25), Shelduck (ad and brood of 5), Redshank (2)and Rock Pipit (4+) all on main pool this afternoon. Swift (2) and plenty of Sand Martin over pool. (from P.Freestone)