At Nagshead: The first nightjars of the season were seen yesterday (13/5) on Farmers Green. These crepuscular birds prefer scrubby or heathland habitat and will move away once succession progresses to closed forest.
If you would like to see these mysterious animals in action, please join us on one of our Nightjar Walks. The three dates are 12/6, 23/6 and 10/7. Call the office on 01594 562852 to book.
Other birds hanging out at Farmers Green include tree pipit, willow and garden warbler, chiffchaff and redstart. A cuckoo was also heard in the vicinity.
At Highnam: Don't forget that the Nightingale singing season is a short one, so with only two or three weeks left make an effort to get down there and enjoy the birdsong!
Nagshead
All the summer migrants are now in - except for the nightjar - which we expect to arrive form mid-May.
Not all pied flycatchers are in yet, but some of those that have arrived are paired and are nest building. At the moment, these can be viewed from the short trail. Please keep to the trails to reduce disturbance to the birds.
Redstarts are present, though difficult to see, in the old oak stands. Best to try and see these along the rides skirting around the Wet Wood in Russell's Enclosure on the eastern side of the reserve. East of this area is Farmer's Green, where displaying tree pipits and cuckoos have been seen.
Wood warblers are fairly easy to locate along trails. Listen for their song.
The breeding is well underway for some species with newly fledged crossbills, siskins and wood pigeons.
Oaks late at coming into leaf this year, and so still quite easy to view birds.
Highnam Woods
Nightingales are at their singing peak and easily heard from the nature trail. Dusk and nightime listening is more rewarding due to reduced traffic noise and other birds not singing. We are holding a nightingale walk at 7.30 pm on Friday 7th May. All are welcome!