Over the last two weeks we’ve started to see the first returning autumn
passage waders appear in the valley, as they head south from their more
northerly breeding grounds. Several Green Sandpipers (often the first to
appear), have already been seen, whilst we were fortunate to come across
two very confiding Little Ringed Plovers at Thornton Ellers earlier this
week. These delightful little birds allowed us to approach and photograph them as
they continued to feed unconcerned, seemingly oblivious to our presence. Whilst
busy managing the reserve over the last few weeks, we have also been monitoring
the water levels on Wheldrake Ings, trying to keep them at a low enough level in
order to provide muddy margins to attract and benefit passage waders over the
coming weeks – hopefully more of these charming little waders will soon follow.
It's been a great breeding season in the valley this year,
with a whole host of species doing well and successfully raising young broods. One
of the species which has enjoyed a productive season is our local Mute Swan
population - with 10 pairs raising a total of 61 cygnets, including a bumper
brood of eight at North Duffield Carrs. Catching and colour-ringing the young (as
part of our long term project), will take place during late
July/August – a task our volunteers are already looking forward to!
The brood of three pictured below, were seen on Wheldrake Ings last week -
they’re just a bit too small to ring at the moment (but growing quickly!).
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