Print pageStar species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Watch elegant avocets 'scooping up' microscopic, aquatic life in their amazing, sickle-shaped beaks. They nest in mini colonies on saline lagoons. |  |
Watch the nesting lapwings here chasing predators that may come too close to their nests or show too much of an interest in their chicks. The protective parents regularly give chase to crows and do not stop their 'mobbing' attacks until the danger has passed. |  |
These dainty little white herons can be seen throughout the year at Cliffe. You can see them fishing in the channels, stirring up fish fry from the muddy bottom with their feet. |  |
Nightingales breed in the hedgerows and scrub. Listen for their incredibly rich, musical song in late April and May. If you are lucky, you may spot one sitting among the foliage, its body almost shaking with the effort! |  |
Though the species is much less common than it was formerly, turtle doves can still be seen and heard at Cliffe in the spring and summer. Listen for their gentle 'purring' from the hedges. |  |