Sightings at Sculthorpe Moor (22nd and 29th September 2018)

The weather was surprisingly warm given the time of year, for two consecutive weekends. 

Despite the majority of summer visitors having now migrated, there were still a variety of birds that could be seen across the reserve. 

The following was seen from 12.30pm on the 22nd September:

Greenfinch x 6

Chaffinch x 13

Egyptian Goose x 2 - A pair seen flying north in the field adjacent to the Visitor Centre.

Bullfinch x 1

Nuthatch x 1

Coal Tit x 2

Long-tailed Tit x 1

Wren x 2

Marsh Tit x 5

Little Grebe x 1

Buzzard x 1 

Red Kite x 1

Jay x 2

Kingfisher x 1 - A single male flying around the scrape in front of Victor's Hide. 

Green Sandpiper x 1 - Seen at the back of the scrape, close to Victor's Hide. 

Marsh Harrier x 1 - A single female flying just above the reed bed, in front of the Whitley Hide. 

The following was seen from 12.45pm on the 23rd September:

Greenfinch x 7

Coal Tit x 3

Nuthatch x 2 - One was seen near the Woodland Hide, whilst the second was moving around the trees behind Whitley Hide.

Chiffchaff x 2 - A pair seen moving around the reeds, close to the Whitley Hide.

Kingfisher x 1 - Possibly the same bird seen on two occasions, both in front of the Whitley Hide. The first time it was seen hovering above the water. On the second occasion it flew directly towards the Whitley Hide, just above the water, then passed over the roof and in to the woodland behind. 

Marsh Tit x 2

Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1

Long-tailed Tit x 6

Wren x 1

Buzzard x 2

Green Sandpiper x 1 - Seen at the back of the scrape, close to Victor's Hide.

Sightings at Sculthorpe Moor (1st September 2018)

The beginning of a new month signalled little change in terms of sightings, but it was a pleasantly warm day with temperatures typically between 22°C - 24°C.

Despite excellent photos from some visitors during the week, the Woodcock was unfortunately rather elusive this time round. What was even stranger is the reports of not one but two individuals underneath the boardwalk earlier this week.

That said, there were reports of two Snipe alongside Victor's Hide. When we went to investigate, one could be seen sleeping on the edge of the scrape, whilst the second was apparently hiding among the reeds.

The following was seen from 12.30pm:
Buzzard x 1
Kestrel x 1
Greenfinch x 4 - Plenty of juveniles moving around the feeders near the Jarvis Hide.
Chaffinch x 8
Great Spotted Woodpecker x 2
Bullfinch x 2
Long-tailed Tit x 5
Marsh Tit x 2
Reed Warbler x 2
Snipe x 1 - As previously mentioned, only the one bird was seen but a second was hiding among the reeds.
Pheasant x 2
Swallow x 1

In final news, a family of Spotted Flycatchers (with four juveniles) could be seen feeding in the oak trees around the entrance to the reserve, last Sunday afternoon. They were probably only passing through as there have been no reports of any breeding birds on the reserve this year.