Update for October & November

Highlights

Hobbies are still to be seen occasionally throughout the reserve. The Marsh Harriers are also at present seen taking prey and quartering the fields. They have successfully bred here this year and two lots of three young have been seen. A Common Buzzard has been seen in late Sept- early Oct, so it seems as though the birds of prey are out in force. Spotters will be looking out for the first Hen Harriers, who overwinter here regularly and should be arriving fairly soon. Hen Harriers are slightly smaller than Marsh Harriers, but they are rarely seen together.

Nightjar

A single nightjar was caught and ringed by the ringing group on 11 September. Although this is not the first record for the site it is the first bird ringed, they are not at all common here. This bird is hard to find, and is usually detected by its characteristic night-time song, which has been described as 'like an electric drill in the far distance'.

Cetti's Warbler

On 16 September the ringing group caught a Cetti's Warbler. This is the first record since 1986, and in the early 1980's there was a small breeding colony of these birds. The hot summers mean that they extend their breeding range, and so a few more hot seasons might mean breeding Cetti's Warblers at Wicken again.

Mere

On the Mere and along the Lode the usual waterfowl can often be seen. Look out for the Mute Swans and cygnets; Wigeon; Gadwall; Teal; Mallard; Shoveler; Coot; Grey Herons. Cormorants can also be expected, as they come inland during the winter and favour the Mere Island. Little Grebe have been seen on Wicken Lode.

Ringing data

The latest figures for birds recovered are now available, and have been put on display in the building. Do come in and have a look.

Please Report Sightings