Recent Sightings: Birds of the Summer Holidays

So it's getting towards the end of the quiet bird season, and that vaguely warm time of year we often refer to as 'summer'. Despite the muggy weather over the last few days, we can sniff out the first few hints of autumn, and the birds are starting to get fidgety.

The month of August, and the last few weeks of the summer holidays saw all our feathery regulars taking a bit of a break after raising this year's brood, and a visit to the hide was often a quiet and lazy affair.

Graham is one of our newer hide guides, which means you'll often see him in the lakeside viewpoint waiting to greet visitors and point out what's about. Below is a collection of his photos, taken throughout the summer, of some of the bird life you can hope to see from the hide at this time of year.

 Hi! All

It’s time to show those of you who have not visited RSPB Sandwell Valley some of the birds you could see if you come at the right time of year (as you may know birds do migrate). There are volunteers like myself who man the lakeside viewpoint (hide) and we will be happy to try to answer any questions you may have. As I have said before; we know a man that can! So why not come and spend a few quiet moments or a chat at the hide?

 

One of the many beautiful lapwings, bathing in the shallows of the lake. Photo by Graham Vernon.

Two common sandpipers have been seen regularly from the hide from the end of August. Photo by Graham Vernon.

A common tern with chick, which bred successfully on the islands. Photo by Graham Vernon.

The pictures in this blog were all taken at the lakeside viewpoint and show birds from across the summer. If you wish, why not visit the centre Nature’s Reach and speak to some lovely staff, or even, as so many people do, simply enjoy a stroll round the reserve and see where the RSPB spend the donations given every month from people who care to give nature a home.

 

One of our oystercatchers, which also successfully raised a chick this year! Photo by Graham Vernon.

Late spring and early summer is the best time to catch a glimpse of the great crested grebe's famous courtship dance. Photo by Graham Vernon.

If, like me, you are a keen photographer, then maybe I can help you or even learn something from you; either way I will look forward to seeing you!