Even though we have had some rain recently, the water tables around here remain very low. Ponds that should be ponds are muddy holes. It has, however, allowed us to do scrub clearance around the bird sanctuary pond. Here, the bird ringers continue to have a good year, so the bramble bashing, scratches etc. are all worth it! On one of the last sessions a record number of blackcaps were caught. Maybe late breeders or birds passing through on migration.
The Heronry Lake water levels are the lowest I’ve known them and there are several exposed islands. This suits many birds, which walk the edges in search of food. Great white egrets are a common sight at present, as well as little egret and heron. Waders can be seen, such as green sandpiper, snipe and a greenshank was spotted on the Water bird survey yesterday (WeBS). The ducks are starting to come back from their breeding sites in north Europe and Siberia. 5 wigeon were counted on the Heronry North on the WeBS. A number that would be expected at this time of year.
A bird that seems to have bred well here this year is the fantastic small round diver, the little grebe. Did you know that its feet are placed at the back of the body to enable it to stay under water for long periods of time, which makes it very clumsy on land, so it only really comes ashore to breed?
The new position for the Cobham hide along the Haul Road has been very successful. Approach it quietly and you may be lucky to see a kingfisher sitting on the dead tree trunks just outside. A visitor recently also saw a spotted flycatcher. I haven’t seen one anywhere this year.
One of the early returners to the Pits in the Autumn is the pochard and over 100 were counted on the northern Pits during WeBS. Many birds are in eclipse plumage at present, so make identification challenging! Understanding the “jizz” of a bird is always useful. There were a couple of terns in the distance that weren’t feeding as you would expect a common tern to do, instead they were skimming over the water, dipping down occasionally. After much discussion, it was decided they were Black terns, which are a marsh tern, which take insects and other invertebrates and small fish from the water. The best view, however, was a very close view of a hobby swooping down towards us. Definitely, a time I wished I had my camera with me!
I haven’t talked about birds so much for a long time. There is a lot to say at this time of year. A lot of other wildlife has had a good season. Common darters are prolific. The air seems full of them ovipositing on the Herony South when it is sunny. Migrant hawkers are also around in good numbers, and southern hawkers can be seen.
Also watch out for bees. The ivy is now flowering, and the ivy mining bee is around in good numbers. Hornets, (they are worth a close view of, preferably by a photo!), are also around in numbers. They are carnivorous and will take bees for a snack. Interestingly wasps have not had a good season. Maybe you think that is a good thing, but we have to accept that they are important pollinators.
As usual, if you have anything to report, or are wishing to become more involved with our surveys etc. please contact me on friends@paxton-pits.org.uk
Best wishes for the Autumn
Ann
Ann Thomas 8.9.25
Great white egret image by Jacqui Hill
A lovely read, as always, Anne