Print pageSeasonal 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
The last of the wintering wildfowl can be seen before they head back north and east. There are large numbers of breeding waders - this is probably the best place in the country to see displaying black-tailed godwits and snipe. Lapwings and redshanks breed and other waders pass through. Breeding ducks include shovelers, gadwalls and garganeys. Spotted crakes and corncrakes can be heard from the bank, particularly after dark. Marsh harriers, hobbies and other birds of prey are frequent. Tree sparrows frequent the old farm buildings and feeders near the car park.
Summer
Breeding waders are still present in June but become less easy to see as summer progresses. Yellow wagtails are present in increasing numbers, often around the feet of the grazing cattle. Look out for barn owls, warblers and tree sparrows in the vicinity of car park. Marsh harriers should be very obvious.
Autumn
Raptors can be good; the marsh harrier roost can hold more than 20 birds. Often an osprey stops over on its southbound migration and fishes near Eldernell. The first short-eared owls join the barn owls hunting over the washes. Swallows and yellow wagtails build up to their largest numbers before continuing their journeys south.
Winter
Depending on extent of flooding there can be thousands of wildfowl including Bewick's and whooper swans, pintails, wigeons, teals, shovelers and pochards. Also golden plovers, lapwings and Icelandic black-tailed godwits. Hen harriers, short-eared owls, stonechats and water pipits are all regular. Bitterns are sometimes seen.