This week has continued the sightings of young birds throughout the Basin. The last count on the Eider ducklings was 103, as of today, and these have been joined by a number of garden and woodland bird juveniles, including Blue Tits, House Sparrows, Tree Sparrows, and Great Spotted Woodpecker. 11 Pheasant chicks were also spotted by the feeders on the 11^th. A flock of 60 Starlings was also seen on the 13^th. Not everyone’s favourite perhaps, but with Starling numbers in decline throughout Britain it’s always nice to see a healthy number here.

Red-breasted Mergansers and Goosanders are now a regular sighting with 25 of each spotted on the 8^th and 9^th respectively. As yet, there is still no sign of breeding on the tern raft, with only 4 Common Terns being spotted on the raft on a daily basis. However, Terns will breed right into June so we’re still keeping our fingers-crossed for now.

Other sightings on the reserve include a Yellowhammer at the Wigeon Hide on 9^th; 4 Ruff, 2 Ringed Plover and 2 Pintails on the 9^th at the Lurgies; and a Marsh Harrier.

Georgina Bowie,  Visitor Centre Assistant