The reserve has been a little quieter bird wise of late with westerlies and inclement weather benefitting neither waders or raptors. However the last few days saw a return to form with two new birds for the challenge being picked up. A great find last night was wheatear on the D reservoir wall, and the golden plover actually landed on South Marsh East last night to roost, along with two ruff and a late little ringed plover before being disturbed by a heron:
This morning the marshes were teeming with around 300 lapwing and a dozen curlew, but as is often the case I did not get time to look in detail, and a return at the end of the day saw only a lone snipe:
It seems timing is everything when it comes to the marshes at present, along with the lone pintail, present but elusive on the reserve. Raptors however did put an appearance in, with 7 common buzzard on Saturday, hobby and osprey on Sunday, and these two common buzzards frolicking this morning above the wildlife centre.
The gull roost is again starting to build - this young greater black backed gull was on D reservoir wall - one of 40+ currently on site. Early Autumn is always a peak for them as they arrive from Scandinavian breeding grounds - as proved by the deceased individual found last year with a leg ring from Lista in Southern Norway where it was rung as a chick.
Black headed gulls were also present - and they can be seen making for the reserve even when driving into Driffield at 6pm.
This fine fungi was near the North Marsh path - possibly Russula cyanoxantha - Charcoal Burner?, but I'll reserve judgement til I have had chance to look in detail and consult the fungi list! It's not on Martin's blog yet so that makes life harder! - too busy watching whales!
Remember there are still places available for the fungi walk next month led by an expert (not me!)
However the kingfishers are usually present whatever the weather - here is the result of a couple of minutes in North Marsh:
Along with a blue tit amongst a 25 strong long tailed tit group:
