Seasonal highlights

Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.

Spring

Great crested grebes performing their elaborate courtship rituals. Newly-returned sedge warblers and grasshopper warblers can be heard singing from the wetter areas of the reserve. While taking a walk through the scrub and woodland areas listen out for singing willow warblers, chiffchaffs, garden warblers, blackcaps and whitethroats. Water rails will be heard squealing from the reedbed areas at this time of year, while frogs and toads can be seen spawning in ponds.


Grasshopper warbler	Great crested grebe	Sedge warbler	Water rail

Summer

Broods of cygnets and ducklings can be seen on the loch. Along the trails and in the meadow see a wide variety of butterflies adding to the colourful displays of wild flowers. At this time of year the wildlife garden is in full bloom too. Damselflies and dragonflies can be seen on emergent vegetation at the pools and loch-side. Watch out for otters slipping quietly into the water at dawn and dusk.


Great crested grebe	Grey heron	Water rail

Autumn

Catch sight of large gatherings of swallows and martins, often roosting in the wetland vegetation, preparing for their long southward journeys. You will also see large congregations of wagtails too. Flocks of redwings and fieldfares arrive to strip the trees of their wild fruits. Look up and you might catch sight of mixed flocks of tits, goldcrests and treecreepers in the woodland, while emerging fungi add interest along the trails at ground level.


Fieldfare	House martin	Long-tailed tit	Swallow

Winter

A wide variety of ducks have already arrived to spend the winter at the reserve, along with variable numbers of whooper swans. At this time of year there are frequent sightings of hen harriers and other birds of prey. Kingfishers and smews are present, often affording excellent views.