Lower than normal water levels
Lower than normal water levels on both Heronry North and South during September and October has led to local birdwatchers being able to enjoy some of Paxton’s best birdwatching for the last 50 years!
The most dramatic increase has been in the numbers and range of water loving wading birds and egrets – this climaxed on Sunday 21st October when we counted no fewer than 28 little egrets on both Heronry North and South. Even more amazing was the numbers of previously rare great white egrets. In recent weeks they have built up to at least six of these beautiful birds – a real treat for local visitors to our reserve.
Where have all these egrets come from? It’s an often asked question. Well, little egrets have actually been here for twenty years, but have never bred. Maybe next year?
And as for the great white egrets – they are now breeding in at least four different UK locations, but not as far as we know in Cambridgeshire. What will happen next spring? Watch this space!
And it’s not just egrets. You can expect to see green sandpipers, common sandpipers, snipe and lapwings on the same pits, along with over ten species of wildfowl. And don’t forget we have a very interesting stock dove roost building up at this time of year, too.
So much to enjoy. Come and visit this wonderful nature reserve for yourself to catch a sight. There are great hides and nature walks for all the family.
– Trevor Gunton