Swillington Ings

Courtesy of DW along with DM. A trip inspired by the variety of birds published on the reserve website over the previous 48 hours. As it happens, most birds failed to materialise so compensation was in the form of a warm pleasant day's walk and a handful of goodies.

Within a short time of arrival we managed the Black Tern in flight over Astley Lake and the 3 Spoonbill that were settled on the mud there. Not too long after this a female/juvenile Marsh Harrier flew around briefly at distance.

Common Terns were showing very well in good numbers and much to the relief of our aural organs the majority of BHGs have dispersed.

2 each of Kestrel & Red Kite were seen as were 1 Swift and a few Sand Martin. A Reed Warbler chuntered and was glimpsed briefly with a calling WW only heard.

4 Little Egret and Grey Heron were seen with a similar no. of Cormorant seen flying. However a larger no. of the latter were present standing on the main lakes islands.
Otherwise it was down to the multitudes of waterfowl and numerous Lapwing, the only wader sp. we got.