Nesting Box update

This week a random selection of nest boxes have been checked by members of our ringing team and they have found that a number of Blue Tits and Great Tits have already laid eggs. The clutches currently range between 2 and 6 eggs. 

For anyone interested in taking a closer look into some of these boxes there will be a guided nest box walk on Saturday 7th May. This would be a perfect opportunity to see how these boxes are used and to witness the wonder of nature as these tiny, helpless creatures develop and finally fly. 

One of our resident Water Voles has been out making the most of the glorious weather and has been seen many times on the various ponds along the Scrapes…..

with this delightful Willow Warbler never far away.

The Sand Martins have been seen investigating the nesting sites on the Scrapes today.

Meanwhile, in the ringing room…..

the ringers were treated to the first Garden Warblers back from Africa and several more Blackcaps and recently arrived Willow Warblers.  Members of the public were busy stalking a very elusive Grasshopper Warbler whilst the Common Sandpiper that was a new species to the reserve yesterday was the target for many.  Ringing totals are more than 500 new birds up on last year; differences include (2010 figures in brackets) Sparrowhawk 3 (0), GS Woodpecker 4 (1), LT Tit 27 (1), Coal Tit 84 (47), Blue Tit 84 (35), Great Tit 41 (16), Treecreeper 6 (0), Common Redpoll 36 (0), Chaffinch 214 (174), Brambling 247 (64) and Lesser Redpoll 264 (171).

Dont forget to call us and book your place for the Nest Box walk on the 7th May as places are limited.