We have just returned from South Spain staying on the Atlantic Coast near the Portuguese border close to muddy creeks and estuaries. In the 3 weeks we were there we saw migration in progress. A wader’s paradise. Curlew sandpipers and grey plovers in large numbers. By the end of our time there, there were just a few left, as I would expect to see in the muddy creeks and shoreline of Norfolk. The other surprising bird, to me, were large numbers of green sandpipers. A bird that has been recorded at Paxton Pits every month of the year.
The lakes in the reserve have been filling up with ducks and geese while we’ve been away, as the first WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) last weekend showed. It is interesting how some species collect on different lakes. The coot and pochard have collected on the northern lakes. The teal on the Heronries. The wigeon, shovelers and gadwall more spread around. Little grebe can be seen in small numbers and the more recently established bird, the red crested pochard. This is a duck about the size of a mallard. Its name does not do credit to the female, which is the one to be seen on the Heronries, which is more understated, with a pale brown body, whitish cheeks and rich brown cap. Tufted Duck are present, although in smaller numbers.
4 kingfishers and a water rail were also seen as well as large number of Canada and greylag geese and 1 pink footed goose.
All these birds are here to feed up and stay for the winter in preparation for next year’s breeding season mainly further north. The 2025 Breeding Bird Survey has now been completed. If you would like a copy, please email me on the address below.
I haven’t seen a dragonfly since my return in this grey cool weather. Have you? Butterflies are in short numbers now. We did have a peacock come into the house yesterday. I think it was looking for somewhere to hibernate.
The recent National Fungus Day event at the reserve was a success even though the continued dry weather has meant the fungi have been slow to show. Even on this very windy day, they found over 50 species of fungi. Go and see the shaggy scaly caps, which are showing nicely at present on the rotting tree trunk in Rory’s Wood. Always a place to go to find fungi.
I must finish off with flowers. The small amount of rain that has fallen since I have been away has brought out a shorter version of the lovely deep purple-blue Viper’s Bugloss and the bowl- shaped fragrant yellow evening-primrose. Both brighten up these grey days!
Always interested in your wildlife sightings. I hope to see you around on the reserve. Otherwise, let me know at friends@paxton-pits.org.uk.
Best wishes
Ann
Ann Thomas 13.10.25