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!

Recent Sightings - February/March 2016

The big story so far of 2016 has undoubtedly been the very early return of a little ringed plover. First spotted on Monday 22 February, it was the first to be seen in the Midlands and possibly the whole of the UK. This is the earliest, by far, that one has reached us, normally arriving around mid March. We're pleased to say that the female has now been joined by another. Fingers crossed they make use of the new gravel pits installed by volunteers!

Another very early returning regular is our one footed oystercatcher who is back for her 8th year, along with a mate, who arrived shortly afterwards. The great crested grebes have started their courtship, while a pair of little grebes were seen on the river on Tuesday 23 February and more recently on Forge Mill Lake.

It was great to hear a redshank had been spotted from the hide on Sunday 13 March, however it has been elusive since.

Ducks include goosander, gadwall, wigeon, teal, shoveler, pochard, tufted and goldeneye. Snipe have been spotted from the hide on most days with akingfisher making the odd appearance. There have also been sightings of water rail reported, most recently on Saturday 12 March.

Various birds of prey have been spotted including buzzards, a sparrowhawk, kestrel and a peregrine from the hide.

From Nature's Reach, the bird feeders have been really busy, with lots of different birds making an appearance during National Nest Box Week. Notably, lesser redpoll feeding from the window boxes, both willow tits and marsh tits on the cage table and hanging feeders. Not to mention, 2stonechat spotted in the marsh area on Saturday 5 March.

Stay tuned for more arrivals in the coming weeks!

Jenny (Connecting People and Nature Intern)

Image credits: Little ringed plover, Ben Hall; grebe, Chris Gomersall; goldeneye, Ben Hall; stonechat, Ben Hall (all www.rspb-images.com)