That said, shortly after our arrival we were made aware of a particularly confident Woodcock, which had taken up residence in the wooded area immediately below the boardwalk, on the approach to the Volunteers' Hide.
This is highly usual behaviour for a bird that is known to take refuge in dense cover, during the day, and will only make an appearance if flushed by someone passing too closely. However, not only did we get excellent views on two separate occasions, but some of the other visitors to the reserve had managed to get excellent photos during the past week (see below).
A real treat and a first for me a Woodcock taken on a visit to @sculthorpemoor whilst on holiday #woodcock #wildlifephotography pic.twitter.com/vsEW2ez6dO— Shutterbug Photos (@KurtSpindley) August 22, 2018
The breeding season had clearly come to an end and it was noticeable by how many juveniles could be seen across the reserve, mainly on the feeders. Also, as had previously been reported, there were only two fledglings from the Marsh Harrier nest, but given that there had been no breeding pairs on the reserve for the last two years, it has been a bit of a success story.
The following was seen from 12.30pm:
Bullfinch x 5
Greenfinch x 3
Moorhen x 2
Goldfinch x 2
Marsh Tit x 1
Coal Tit x 1
Cormorant x 1
Sparrowhawk x 1 - A male seen perched in a Birch tree, immediately opposite the Whitley Hide.
Reed Warbler x 1
