Cuckoos According to the old rhyme, in May the cuckoo sings all day. The male cuckoo’s song is so distinctive, it’s probably the best known bird song of all. However, the female cuckoo has a very different song, often described as a “bubbling chuckle”. Female cuckoos famously lay their eggs in the nests of other… Read More

Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers By the last week of March, the reserve was alive with the distinctive song of the chiffchaff. In April, it will be joined by its close relative, the willow warbler. How can you tell them apart? Probably not by looking at them. Even experienced birdwatchers struggle to tell the difference. However,… Read More

Great Spotted Woodpeckers The drumming of great spotted woodpeckers is one of the classic sounds of early spring. The woodpecker does this to advertise its presence, stake out a territory and attract a mate. Although both sexes drum, the male does so more often. The woodpecker bashes its beak against the tree about 12 times… Read More

Diving Ducks Diving Ducks can feed in deep water by submerging completely, disappearing for a few seconds before popping up nearby. The most common at the Pits is the black-and-white tufted duck which you can see all year round as it breeds on the reserve. In addition to these resident birds, hundreds more tufted ducks… Read More