Print pageStar species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Flocks of black-tailed godwits can be seen on the floods. In spring - when they rest and feed here before heading north to Iceland to breed - they are resplendent in their 'tomato soup-red' breeding attire. On their return in autumn, you can pick out the scaly-backed juvenile birds if you look closely. |  |
Garganeys are unusual ducks which migrate to Africa for winter. When they return in early spring, they can be seen dabbling for food on the floods or snoozing on the banks. |  |
These cryptically-coloured waders can be seen here throughout the year. Look for them probing their long beaks into the soft, marshy ground and displaying overhead in spring. |  |
Subtly different from the more familiar house sparrow, tree sparrows are much less common. Watch and listen for them in bushes and trees around the visitor centre and car park and at the feeding station. |  |
During winter, flocks of wigeons are a daily sight, with several thousand often on the reserve. Wintering birds arrive from early September and numbers build up to a peak, usually in January. |  |