Print pageStar species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Hobbies are falcons which arrive at Otmoor in late April, leaving in September. They are very agile and fast - they hunt small birds like martins, and dragonflies, which they catch with their feet. Watch carefully and you'll see them passing their prey up to their beaks to eat in flight! |  |
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 here throughout summer and autumn. You can see them fishing, stirring up fish fry from the muddy bottom with their feet. |  |
Spring visits to Otmoor will be enriched by the beautiful song of skylarks. They rise up into the air from the grassland until they are barely visible and only their song can be heard. |  |
This diving duck is a breeding bird here. Look out for broods of brown ducklings in late spring and summer. Male tufted ducks have bold black and white markings, while females are dark brown. |  |