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Fairburn Ings |
Recent sightingsFriday, 19 March 2010Spring seems to be progressing for real now, as the first Sand Martins were sighted on the reserve yesterday. Three of these migrants could be seen over Main Bay hunting for insects. More Sand Martins were busily flying around Lin Dike today. Two Oystercatchers were foraging in the field opposite the Visitor Centre on Thursday 18th, and another pair was seen today right outside Cut Hide. Visitors at the Feeding Platform have been enjoying very close views of a Water Rail today. In the car park behind the Visitor Centre, staff were greeted by a pair of Reed Bunting this morning. One of the birds also visited the feeders in the garden, where it was joined by Goldfinch, a pair of Bullfinch, several Blue Tit and Great Tit and a couple of Long-tailed Tits, among others. As far as non-feathered animals go, we can report the first butterfly sighting of the year: a female Brimstone was spotted near the Visitor Centre. These yellow beauties are often the first butterflies to be seen in spring, so we’re looking forward to many more interesting butterfly sightings in the next few weeks. Also we’ve had our first Bumble Bee sightings this week, a sign that spring is well and truly on the way. We’d love to hear what you see out and about on the reserve.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010A good week on the reserve, lots of breeding activity and signs of spring all around with birds carrying nesting materials and the snowdrops coming through. Lots of wildlife to be seen last week too. In terms of Raptors it's been a good week, regular sightings of Buzzard and Kestrel from the Visitor Centre almost daily. 3 Buzzard over newfield plantation on Wednesday 10th, Thursday 11th and Monday 15th. A Peregrine was seen on Monday 15th and Sparrowhawk on Thursday 11th and yesterday. Also we're getting more frequent sightings of Red Kite with one seen on both Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th. Plenty of ducks and wildfowl on the water: Shelduck, and 7 Goosander on Monday 15th, 40 Wigeon and 10 Teal on the Flashes on Saturday 13th and a Pink-footed Goose in with the Greylag Geese on Sunday 14th. We've also got a wierd and wonderful Whute Swan at our viewing platform- which is a cross between a Whooper Swan and a Mute Swan. It's thought that it got stranded here and bred with one of our Mute Swans. Have a look for it, it's got a yellow beak rather than an orange one- and the most obvious difference is that it makes a noise! Also on the reserve we've had regular sightings of Little Egret on Thursday 11th, Sunday 14th and Monday 15th. Also on Monday there were sightings of Oystercatcher, Great Crested Grebe, 2 Red-legged Partridge and 6 Redpoll. Green Woodpecker and Redwing seen on Tuesday. On Saturday there were 2 Skylark, 5 Redshank, 15 Curlew, a Herring Gull and 200 Golden Plover flying North West over the reserve. Plenty of garden birds seen daily around the feeders either grabbing some food or foraging for nesting material: Greenfinch, Willow Tit, Coat Tit, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Tree Sparrow, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, male and female Bullfinch and Chaffinch. There is a fight going on in our nest box cam: the Tree Sparrow and the Blue Tit are battling it out each day bringing thier nesting material in and taking the others out and luckily we can watch their antics from the TV screen in the visitor centre. In terms of other wildlife on the reserve, we've seen Hare, Rabbit various different Ladybirds including the 7 Spot Ladybird, and the first Bumble Bee sighting on Tuesday last week. As it's coming into the breeding season, we are starting our breeding birds surverys and one of the things that we are looking more closely at this year is whether we have Kingfishers actually breeeding on the reserve- and we need your help! We're asking visitors to report sightings of Kingfishers and in particular ones carrying food or flying in pairs- could you let us know where they were seen and in which direction they were flying to give us a better idea of the location that they are nesting.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010A lesser spotted woodpecker has been seen for the second time this year. This time it was seen from the Visitor Centre after flying out of nearby trees. Around the Visitor Centre have also been a male and female reed bunting which have taken to the feeders both there and at Pickup Hide. After coming into the feeding station when the snow was bad a pair of water rails seem to have decided they like it round the Discovery Trail and have been seen regularly feeding around the puddles right next to the path. 3 more have been reported at the viewing platform across from the car park. A treecreeper and redpoll have also been seen around the Discovery Trail and another treecreeper near Village Bay Hide along the Riverbank Trail. Signs of nesting birds can be seen across the reserve and we’re getting an exciting view of a pair of tree sparrows who are currently setting up home in our nest box cam. Usually tree sparrows construct their nest in a ball shape, laying their eggs in the middle, however this pair seem to be happy on top of their nest so fingers crossed we can continue to watch as they raise their family. At the heronry it looks like several of our herons are already incubating eggs and some still building up their nests. We will continue to run the Heron Watch throughout the breeding season, every Monday, twice a day. They are a unique opportunity to get close to these magical birds while they bring up their young. The female smew was last seen on Friday, again from Village Bay Hide. A green woodpecker was reported from Bob Dickens Hide and from Cut Hide a kingfisher, green sandpiper, 4 oystercatchers and a little egret were all seen. At the other end of the reserve there have been more oystercatchers seen flying over, a grey partridge seen opposite Phalarope Pool on both Sunday and Monday, snipe, redshank, oystercatcher and 2 skylarks from Lin Dike Hide.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010As the previous posted sightings states, there have been problems with the publishing of our recent sightings for the past three weeks and you will notice that the backlog of recent sightings have now been published for those few weeks. I apologise for the delay in these getting onto the site, it was a technical problem that was out of our hands. Here’s a quick update of the sightings since last week: Oystercatcher on Main Bay, Lapwing on Newflash. 2 Water Rail at the viewing platform near the carpark on Friday 19th, 2 Little Grebe near the Riverside trail. Goldeneye overlooking Cut Hide, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Goosander and Smew yesterday on Main Bay. Around 200 Canada Geese on Newflash and 5 Pink-footed Geese Flying West over the reserve on Saturday. Sparrowhawk from Cut Hide and Red Kite over Newfield plantation on Saturday 20th. There is still one Long-eared Owl around near the Lin Dike end of the reserve, last seen on Saturday 20th. Tree Creeper and Goldcrest on Riverbank Trail on Saturday, Daily sightings of Kingfisher from various points on the reserve- Cut Lane, Pickup Hide and the Kingfisher Watchpoint. All the usual garden birds on the feeders: Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Male and Female Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch and Long-tailed Tit.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010Apologies for the delay in updating this page, the site was out of action last week. Lots around over the past few weeks: Green woodpecker around the Boardwalk and Riverbank Trail, Great Spotted Woodpecker on the Riverbank trail and Lesser spotted woodpecker at Cut Lane on 3rd Feb. Regular sightings of Water Rail from the viewing platform near the carpark and also around the visitor centre. The Bittern has been seen once over the past few weeks in the reedbeds around the visitor centre. Daily sightings of Kingfisher at the Kingfisher watchpoint which is proving very successful for getting that amazing photo opportunity! Lots of waders to report: Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, Woodcock in the mini-beasting area, Snipe, Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Curlew. Lots of wintering wildfowl to report too: Goldeneye, Teal, Smew, Goosander, Shelduck, Male Pintail, Shoveler, Canada Geese, Wigeon, Pochard and Tufted Duck. In terms of birds of prey: Peregrine, Kestrel on the telegraph pole near Newton Lane, Buzzard in Newfield plantation and Merlin. Plenty of birds on the feeders: Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Male and Female Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch and Long-tailed Tit. Other wildlife and birds: 2 Little Egret, Grey Heron, Weasel, Stoat, Roe Deer, Grey Rabbit, 15 Pied Wagtail in Newfield plantation, Fieldfare near Fairburn village, Song thrush and 10 Redpoll railway bridge. In the last few days on the reserve: On Thursday 11th and Friday 12th:Green woodpecker , Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Golden Plover, 60+ Wigeon, 100+ Teal, 60+ Curlew, Shelduck ,Shoveler, Canada Geese, Lapwing, Grey Heron and Little Egret. On Saturday 13th: 2 Buzzard near Newfield plantation, Smew from Village bay, 2 Redpoll with the goldfinches. On Sunday 14th :50 curlew on New Flash, 2 Little Egret on Spoonbill Flash, a female Merlin at the Railway bridge. Also seen for most of the afternoon on Cut Lane was an Eagle Owl, it hasn’t been seen since Sunday but some fantastic views were seen and we’ve got some great pictures, just call into the visitor centre to see them. We’ve got lots of fun activities and events going on this week- have a look on our website or give us a call!
Monday, 8 February 2010Green Woodpecker spotted throughout the week at boardwalk, Cut hide and again on Monday at Riverbank trail. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Cut Lane. Greater Spotted Woodpecker near visitor centre. Earlier in the week, 15 Pied Wagtail were seen at field opposite visitor centre, 2 Water Rail at viewing platform and boardwalk, 50 Black-headed Gull at New Flash, 100 Coot at New Flash, 1 Fieldfare near Fairburn Village. Over the weekend 2 Little Egret, 3 Willow Tit, Bittern at Moat, Song Thrush at staff car park, 10 Redpoll at railway bridge. Wildfowl seen on the reserve since Sunday: Goldeneye 3 at Main Bay and Pickup hide, 200 Canada Geese at New Flash, 200 Greylag Geese at New Flash, 20 Teal at New Flash, Male Pintail, Dunlin at New Flash, 1 Shelduck at Pickup hide, 4 Goosander at Bob Dickens hide, Smew at Village Bay. Waders seen on the reserve since Sunday: Snipe at Pickup hide, 30 Curlew at Spoonbill, 12 Lapwing at grass fields to North of Newton Lane, Woodcock at Minibeast area. Birds of prey: Buzzard at Newfield, Male Merlin at visitor centre, Peregrine at Lin Dike, Female Kestrel at telegraph pole, Newton Lane, Kestrel hovering over Phalarope Pool.
Friday, 5 February 2010A rare sighting of a Lesser-spotted Woodpecker was seen at Cut Lane. 2 Water Rail were seen foraging at viewing platform. Goldeneye was spotted at Lin Dike and 2 at Main Bay. A Peregrine was seen at Lin Dike also. We've also had a group of about 15 Pied Wagtail opposite the visitor centre on Monday. As far as Wildfowl is concerned there was a lot of activity at New Flash with a flock of 200 Canada Geese, around 20 Teal, 100 Coot, 200 Greylag Geese. A Kestrel was seen hovering over Phalarope Pool. 1 Fieldfare near Fairburn Village. Around the Riverbank trail we had 2 sightings of Green and Greater Spotted Woodpeckers. A Woodcock was seen near the minibeast area on Tuesday. Snipe at Pickup hide and a Smew at Village Bay on Wednesday.
Saturday, 30 January 2010A great few days for birds on the reserve and warm sunshine is bringing the people out too. The Bittern has been seen from various points around the visitor centre on a number of days last week. For information of exactly where, come into the visitor centre and we’ll be happy to give you an indication. Also being seen on a daily basis is the elusive Water Rail. An extremely rare bird for the reserve; A Ferruginous Duck has been seen on Thursday, Friday and this morning from Cut Hide. There are now 3 Smew (2 Redhead on Main Bay and 1 Drake on Village Bay). Lots of other wildfowl around too- Pochard, Goosander, Goldeneye, Shelduck, Teal and Tufted Duck. Quite a few waders on the reserve: 20+ Curlew at Lin Dike, Snipe, Woodcock and Lapwing. A few raptors to report; Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel and a Peregrine Falcon at Lin Dike. The Long-eared Owl is still at the Lin Dike end of the reserve. Sightings of the Kingfisher from the viewing screen on a daily basis. Lots of birds on the feeders which makes great counting for Big Garden Birdwatch; 8 male Bullfinch, female Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Blcakbird, Chaffinch, Robin, Great Tit, Willow Tit, Brambling, Tree Sparrow, Long-tailed Tit, Song Thrush and also lots of Redpoll and Fieldfare in the trees around the visitor centre. Big Garden Birdwatch is well under way now, we’ll be giving advice and tips on how to carry it out in your own garden tomorrow. There will also be fun bird feeder making for the children in the visitor centre from 11am-3pm. In terms of other wildlife seen on the reserve, there was a Brimstone butterfly seen last week.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010After such a cold spell and a permanent cover of snow, the reserve has gone back to some kind of normality. A large flock of Goosander in excess of 130 flew over the reserve on Saturday, a considerable increase from 90. Other species included Little Egret at Pickup hide, Smew by reed bed, 1 Woodcock, 5 Redshank and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers. On Sunday we had sightings of Goosander , 3 Shovelers , 3 Redwings , 1 Water Rail and 1 Smew at Main Bay. On Monday we had 2 Smews at Main Bay, a Brambling at Pickup and bird feeders, Goosander at Bob Dickens, over 100 Goldeneye around the reserve and 1 Pollard. We also had sightings of a Green Woodpecker at Riverbank, 6 Shovelers and 1 Jay at Pickup hide, Chiffchaff and Blackcap, and 30 Curlews at Flashes.
On the 26th January at 7pm– 8:30pm, Paul Doherty will be giving an exclusive talk on his wonderful experiences of filming his Bird watching DVD’s. His last talk proved very popular in the past so make sure you book in advance. The new edition of the Collins Bird Guide book is now on sale at our reserve shop.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010The cold weather has been extremely tough on everyone over the past few weeks, but in particular the birds. We have seen some strange behaviour from the birds here at Fairburn Ings. It is obvious that they are finding it difficult to find food as we’ve seen the more secretive birds such as Water Rail and Bittern coming out into the open looking for food. As we’ve been closed over the past few days due to the weather conditions, there hasn’t been much reporting of what’s around but never the less we’ve got a pretty substantial list of what you can see here… Great views of Water Rail can be seen from the Duck and Swan feeding platform and also under the feeders near the visitor centre. We’ve had a number of reports of Bittern in unusual places such as near the feeding screen on the boardwalk (Sunday 10th Jan) and from Cut Hide perched on a branch (Saturday 9th Jan). Other sightings of Bittern have also been reported on other parts of the reserve such as Hicksons flash and Phalarope pool. The Long-eared Owl roost seems to be back in the same place as last year, near the Iron Bridge. Only one has been seen so far but there may be more arriving as the weather gets better. Also at that end of the reserve there has been sightings of Little Owl on New Years Day. Also a Barn Owl and Kestrel seen at the Lin Dike end of the reserve. Around the Boardwalks near the visitor centre there have been sightings of Green Woodpecker, Redpoll in the Alder trees and Wren. There are some great views of Reed Bunting near the Duck and Swan feeding platform. At Lin Dike we’ve had sightings of Field Fare. Kingfisher are still around on the reserve, the ice on the water near the sluice has broken and is starting to thaw so they will hopefully be finding it easier to get food now. In terms of garden birds, lots around using our feeders- Willow Tit, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, Bullfinch (Male and Female), Chaffinch, Dunnock, Robin, Coal Tit, Blackbird and Long-tailed Tit. Also seen on Thursday 7th January was a Brambling on the feeders near the visitor centre. Other wildlife on the reserve, we’ve had Roe Deer seen walking on the ice on main lake which was a pretty spectacular sight. Also Grey Squirrel, Rabbit and Hare have been seen. If you have any sightings that you’d like to tell us about then please email us at Fairburn.ings@rspb.org.uk, we’d love to hear them!
Monday, 4 January 2010The cover of snow has not deterred some of our delightful bird species from showing up around the reserve. Highlights include two Bittern sightings at Flashes and Phalarope Pool last Monday and over the weekend a small flock of Starlings at Lin Dike. A Barn Owl and a Long-eared Owl are still being seen on a regular basis near Lin Dike. All through last week, we had regular sightings of Kingfishers at Screen. Last Monday, we had a large group of about 107 Redpolls at Lin Dike, a Green Woodpecker at Pickup hide. Water Rails have been seen most of last week in small numbers. 30 Redpolls at the Kingfisher Screen on Thursday. On Wednesday, we had 1 Reed Bunting at the feeding platforms and a Greater Spotted Woodpecker by the visitor centre feeders. On Saturday, we had 1 Barnacle Goose at New Flash. A Kestrel and a Green Woodpecker were seen both on Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday, 23 December 2009As far as wildlife is concerned, we had a rare sighting of a Roe Deer walking along the stubble field opposite the visitor centre. A Stoat was seen chasing, capturing and killing a rabbit before dragging it off! Last Tuesday, a Song Thrush, a Dunnock and a small number of Goldfinches were seen near the main car park. Black-headed Gulls were spotted flying over the visitor centre. On Friday, a solitary Wren and a Grey Heron were seen at Cut area. A male Great Crested Grebe at Village Bay. On Saturday, a Kestrel was seen hovering over the visitor centre looking for prey. An unusual sighting of a Ruff at Flashes and a Kingfisher at Screen. On Sunday, around 1630 Ravens, being pursued by 2 Carrion Crows, flew east over field opposite main visitor car park. On Monday 21, a small flock of about 12 Redpoll were spotted at the back of Pickup hide feeding in Alders. Yesterday 40 Golden Plovers flew west over the visitor centre.
Monday, 14 December 2009Over the course of last week we’ve had reports of large flocks of Pink-footed Geese of over 150 flying east on Tuesday and over 400 flying west on Wednesday. On Friday, a tiny sociable group of Goldcrest of around 10 to 15, at the end of Riverbank trail near Cut lane. A small group of around 50 Fieldfares were seen over Lin Dyke on Saturday. Many sightings of Curlews, Goosanders and Goldeneyes and Teal too! A lonely Barnacle Goose was spotted at Lin Dyke. On Wednesday, we had about 35 Golden Plovers and a Peregrine at Flashes. Over the weekend, some of our visitors were treated to an aerial fight between two Kestrels just over the road near the visitor centre. A Buzzard, 3 Bullfinches and a Goldcrest were seen at Pickup hide. A Green Woodpecker and Kingfisher at Screen this Sunday and a Redpoll at the Boardwalk. 2 Willow Tits at feeders near visitor centre.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009Last Thursday 26th November, we were treated to a splendid view of a Red Kite at Lin Dyke. A pair of male and female Bullfinches were seen by the visitor centre. Regular sightings of Kingfishers throughout the week. A Tawny Owl was spotted at Main Bay woods. On Friday 27th November, one of our visitors spotted a female Kestrel surveying the land above a telephone pole near the visitor centre. No less than 6 Kingfishers delighted our visitors at Cut hide. A small flock of Long-tailed Tit were seen darting in quick succession from branch to branch on Riverbank trail near Village Bay hide. Over the weekend of the 28th November, a small group of 6 Goldfinches and a Dunnock were gathered near main car park. A Great Tit, female Bullfinch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were all seen at the wildlife garden. On Sunday, a small flock of about 30 to 40 fieldfares gathered at Lin Dyke. A Redwing was seen nearby. A rare sighting of a Marsh Harrier was seen hovering at Lin Dyke. Over 1000 Starlings were viewed from the visitor centre swirling before dusk roost. On Monday 30th November, a Great Crested Grebe was seen at Cut hide. A female and 2 male Goosanders were spotted at Pickup hide. A Chiffchaff was seen at Lin Dyke. On Wednesday 2nd December, 18 Lapwings gathered at Big hole. A Green Woodpecker flew past in its characteristic flight pattern over Riverside walk. 20 Curlews were seen at Lin Dyke. On Thursday 3rd December, 6 Redpolls and 2 Siskins were seen at Screen. An uncommon sighting of a Buzzard at Newfield plantation. On Friday, a Mistle Thrush was seen enjoying some red berries near the staff car park. A female Kestrel was seen resting on a telephone pole. A group of 20 Curlews were spotted at Lin dike and a Green Sandpiper at Pickup hide. 3 Goosanders at Pickup hide. Several records of Redwing throughout the week. On Saturday 5th , we had a very rare sighting of a Cetti’s Warbler - first ever record for the reserve. This sighting is in keeping with a recent range expansion of its distribution further north. A few stunning sightings of Sparrowhawk and a Buzzard over Lin dyke and Cut hide respectively. 6 Goldeneye at Cut hide. 2 sightings of Green Woodpeckers from visitor centre balcony and staff car park on Sunday and Monday.
Tuesday, 24 November 20092 Water Pipits and a Peregrine were seen at Lin Dike hide on the 10th. A lone female Goldeneye has made an appearance at Main Bay on the 12th. Almost daily sightings of Kingfishers at the Kingfisher screen, delighting many our visitors. The continued rain has caused the water levels of the lagoons and pools to rise, without affecting the presence of some common waders: Curlews, RedShank and Green Sandpiper. Our morning visitors on the 13th included flocks of Fieldfares with numbers reaching in excess of 10,000 individuals. Our smallest bird, the Goldcrest was seen fleeting about on the 14th by the Kingfisher Screen. Plenty of raptors about over the weekend of the 14th including: 7 Buzzards at Newfield Plantation, a Kestrel hovering across the Visitor centre, a Marsh Harrier at Pickup hide, a Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel all at Spoonbill Flash. Several records of Little Egrets at various sightings along the west side of the reserve. We’ve also had a few sightings of a Grey Wagtail at Pickup hide, Pied Wagtail on wire opposite the Visitor centre, Green woodpecker and Tree creeper at the Boardwalk. On Sunday 15th we saw the arrival of over 110 Golden plovers and a healthy flock of 3000 Starlings over the Visitor centre. A small group of about 10 Redpoll were seen on the 17th near the Boardwalk feeding on birch seeds, a lesser Redpoll last Thursday at the Boardwalk and a smallish group close to the Visitor centre and 3 Redwings were seen near Pickup hide last Saturday. On the 20th, the highlight of the month has so far been a rare sighting of a Wryneck. Broady, the very friendly female Bullfinch, made a very special appearance last Sunday. To the delight of all our visitors, she was seen taking seeds from the hand of one of our day volunteers and posing for photographs. She really enjoys all the attention and free food!! Plenty of activity around the feeders and window feeders of the Visitor centre over the weekend including: male Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Tree Sparrows, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit and Willow Tit.
Monday, 9 November 2009There are still a few Blackcaps about setting off on their migratory route. Up to 4 Little Egrets have been seen all last week. A large flock of 150 or so Lapwings, Redshank and Kingfisher all viewed from Lin Dike. A Willow Tit and 2 Bullfinches at the feeders on Thursday. Flying west a group of about 80 Pink-Footed Geese. On Friday, a Greater Spotted Woodpecker was seen at Pickup hide and a Barn Owl at Lin Dike. Over the weekend, we were treated to a magnificent sighting of a Sparrowhawk soaring over the boardwalk. 2 Green Woodpeckers and a Woodcock were seen at Pickup hide. A Redpoll was keeping company with a small group of Goldfinches just outside the visitor centre. 6 Curlew Sandpipers and Snipe were seen at Lin Dike, a Water Rail was seen at Cut hide. 3 very active Stoats and 2 Weasels were foraging at Bob Dickens hide. The patience of some of our visitors was rewarded by the dazzling sight of 3 Kingfishers at screen on Saturday. A large wintering flock of over 350 Lapwings flew over the reserve on Sunday.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009Our winter visitors have been increasing in strength with a few sightings of green sandpipers at Pickup hide. Last week we had a large flock of about 350 fieldfares flying south west. More recently, approximately 130 fieldfares were seen flying over the reserve early in the morning. A flock of just over 60 skylark at tips and 125 pink-footed geese were seen flying west a few days ago. Last Thursday whooper swans were seen flying west. A redwing was seen at pickup pool last Wednesday and a woodcock at pond dipping platform last Thursday. Our resident birds of prey have made a few appearances around the reserve such as a sparrowhawk at woodland to right of visitor centre, buzzards seen regularly over new field plantation and one of our visitors spotted a merlin along the road near the reserve. Kestrels are seen regularly hovering above Pickup pool. Regular sightings of waterfowl at spoonbill flash include a female garganey and 5 water rails at Lin Dike fields. Migrant waders such as dunlin apparently like to keep company with small groups golden plovers benefiting from their early warning sounds. 2 little grebes and snipe seen at Spoonbill Flash last Wednesday. Little egret wading and feeding at New Flash last Friday, goldeneye at village bay hide, 2 handsome goosander diving ducks at main bay and curlew at Flashes. Our first sightings of winter visitors such as little stint and water pipit seen at flashes last week. A female stonechat was spotted on Saturday at Lin Dike fields, brambling at Pickup feeders and screen on Thursday. A redpoll and a small lively siskin were also seen near visitor centre on Saturday. On the feeders around the reserve we have the usual suspects including: male and female bullfinch, treesparrows, goldfinches, male and female chaffinches and greenfinches. There are still plenty of sightings of kingfishers mainly between Pickup Dyke and Cut hide. A greater spotted woodpeckers was seen at Cut hide and at feeding station. Last Wednesday, a number of butterfly species were seen close to the visitor centre and around the reserve including: red admiral, peacock, speckled wood, small copper, grey veined and white comma. Dragonflies were also out in good numbers including migrant hawker, ruddy darter and about 12 common darters. Last week, a noctule bat was seen twice flying across the reserve prior to hibernation. Possible sightings of otters seen at Kingfisher screen and Lin Dyke.
Sunday, 25 October 2009Autumn is setting in here at Fairburn Ings with the leaves falling off the trees and the wildlife showing signs of hibernation and migration. Birds are clearly on their migration trails now as we've had a few sightings of some of our winter visitors such as Siskin seen all week around the Boardwalk, Redwing at the Kingfisher screen today and Pintail from Spoonbill flash and Cut hide. We've also had Golden Plover, Garganey, over 100 Snipe on Newflash on Wednesday and Little Stint seen from Lin Dike over the past 2 days. The Little Stint has also been seen on Spoonbill flash earlier today. Plenty of Raptors around... Kestrel above the Visitor Centre and Sparrowhawk dive-bombing our feeders yesterday. A Peregrine Falcon was seen circling the carpark last Sunday and a Marsh Harrier has been seen from Pickup hide. Buzzard are regularly seen from the Visitor Centre looking over Newfield Plantation. From Bob Dickens hide on Tuesday last week were 2 Merlin. Also in the local area near Ledston Luck there has been reports of a Ring-tailed Hen Harrier earlier today. With the colder weather setting in there are plenty of birds on the feeders around the visitor centre including: Male and female Bullfinch, Chaffinch, lots of Tree Sparrow, Blue Tit, Robin, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Willow Tit. We've had our ever successul Feed the Birds Day event on today, encouraging people to feed the birds this winter. On Wednesday last week there was a Stonechat around the visitor centre being chased by a Robin. Around the boardwalk we had sightings of a Green Woodpecker and there were 2 Jay seen in Newfield Plantation on Monday last week. There are still regular sightings of Kingfisher on the reserve, we have now dug out some ponds right in front of Pickup hide and placed perches in them so we can get even closer views of Kingfisher. They are regulary seen from Pickup hide, the Kingfisher screen, Bob Dickens hide and down Cut Lane. We’ve got loads of events on everyday next week…have a look at our events page for more information and booking details.
Saturday, 3 October 2009With the beginning of October came our first Whooper swans migrating south for the winter and dropping in at Spoonbill Flash. Also at the west end of the reserve have been Wheatears, Stonechats, Little Egrets, Ringed Plovers, Black-tailed Godwits, Curlew, Greenshank, Dunlin, Pintails, Teal, Garganey, Shovelers and Shelduck. At least a dozen Red-legged partridges can be seen regularly in the field over the road from the visitor centre. We’ve also had some more good views of Buzzards over the woodland and a spectacular close up of a female Sparrowhawk swooping low over the bushes in front of the visitor centre. Down in Fairburn village a Red Kite was seen flying over Cut Lane and there have been Marsh Harrier sightings across the reserve. The Wildlife Garden has been busy with lots of woodland birds including parties of Long-tailed tits, Goldfinches, Tree sparrows, Coal tits and Willow tits and of course Broady the Bullfinch.
Sunday, 3 February 2008Lesser-spotted woodpecker has put in another appearance at the Cut this morning, along with Long tailed tits, Tree-creeper and a Great-spotted woodpecker. Green woodpecker has also been seen along the Riverbank Trail. There has been upto six pairs of Bullfinch around the Visitors Centre today along with the usual Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Willow Tits and Tree Sparrows that frequent the feeding stations. Yesterday, four Roe deer were seen from Lin Dyke path and a pair of Kingfishers were seen from the hide. Earlier in the week saw reports of Golden eye, Redshank, Snipe and over 50 Curlew on the Flashes. And a total in excess of 800 Pink Footed Geese flying NW over the reserve on Monday and Tuesday
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Common toad, Conwy - RSPB Images - Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)
Visitors at Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve - RSPB Images - Jesper Mattias (rspb-images.com, Ref: 1029538)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)