The days are drawing out and the birds certainly know it. This time of year sees an influx of waders coming in from coastal sites. Curlew and Oystercatcher will tend to spend the winter months out on estuaries, safe in the knowledge that if cold weather hits they can easily feed on unfrozen ground.
Recent counts have seen 47 Curlew and 24 Oystercatcher coming into roost on Meadow Lake and No.1 Pit respectively.
Listen out for the bubbling call of the Curlew.
The Curlew we see here will eventually move on to breed in mostly upland sites in the UK and possibly beyond, Some of the Oystercatcher may breed on the reserve.
Still over 200 Lapwing present some of which may also stay to breed. At least 30 Snipe still. Four Jack Snipe (two Meadow Lake and two No.1 Pit) beginning of the month, Redshank also seen recently.
Oystercatchers, noisy and unmistakeable!
Plenty of wildfowl still, with Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Shoveller, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye and Mallard all present. Goosander are regularly on the Ribble.
Small numbers of Canada Geese and a single Greylag are around and a male Mute Swan has been seeing off all comers on No.1 Pit.
Bittern still at the beginning of the month, 5 Grey Heron and 2 Little Egret. Look out for Cormorants sporting their mature frosty headed breeding plumage.
A recent influx of Siskin are around the site feeding on alder cones etc. Up to 100 birds have been seen around Nook Pool.
Pat Aitchison
We are starting to hear some 'dawn chorus' activity with singing, Robin, Great and Blue Tit Mistle, Song Thrush and Blackbird. Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff also vocal recently.
Buzzards have been circling over Boilton Wood on clear days. A Peregrine made a brief visit. At least two Kestrel and Sparrowhawk are around.
Muck spreading on the fields opposite the Ribble View Point have seen an influx of covids with 200+ birds, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and included ~ 50 Rook. Two Raven seen flying SW recently.
Other sightings included Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Jay, Bullfinch. An Otter was seen briefly on No.1 Pit.
Grey Wagtail finding plenty of food in front of our shop in the Lookout
If you are visiting the reserve and would like to know what is around and where the best spots might be or have something to report, feel free to drop into the in focus shop, based in the Lookout and we can point you in the right direction.
