This is the first of a regular blog on wildlife sighting across Brockholes Nature Reserve put together by the in focus team who are based in the Lookout which over looks Pit No.1.
Mostly concentrating on bird sightings we will throw in chat about other things as they crop up, particularly when the weather looks interesting during peak migration times that could 'drop' birds onto the reserve.
We already have people dropping in to the Lookout to report sightings and if you are visiting the reserve we are always happy to give you an idea as to what is around and where the best spots might be. Also if you do see something we would be delighted to hear about it so we can pass the news on to the reserve staff and visitors.
Lots of action over the last week or so. Highlights included an Osprey that was on the reserve for a few hours on the 15th June. The bird flew from the fishing pit area carrying a fish before being mobbed by the breeding Common Terns.
A Hobby has been seen on and off hunting between Boilton Marsh, Pit No.1 and Meadow Lake. Plenty of food for this primarily insect eating falcon with a big hatch of damselfly recently and many dragonflies on the wing.
The Common Terns are doing well with 4 pairs on the rafts on Pit No.1. Two pairs currently have 3 chicks each while the other pairs are still sitting on eggs. (Edit while typing this another pair has now hatched their eggs!)
At least 3 Grasshopper Warbler on site with one still singing on and off by the Lookout. A Garden Warbler was around here obviously collecting insects to feed it's young close by. Great views of Common Whitethroat to be had all over the site, as well as Sedge and Reed Warbler. Two singing Cettis Warbler also present but more difficult to view as usual.
Two pair of Common Sandpiper on Pit No.1 with bird showing very well by the Lookout. Lapwing and Oystercatcher present. A Curlew dropped in on the 22nd the first here for a while.
