June ends on Promising Note
As usual, the month of June was quiet for birdwatching at Longham Lakes, although the birds themselves were busy enough. Here is a short summary of the month, working backwards. June 29th: Blustery south-west wind blowing at 15mph, and cloudy, so a good number of...
Recent Breeding Records
Friday 25th May Cutting back some growth along his net rides this morning, Roger Peart came across this delightful Reed Warbler nest. We didn't actually need proof of breeding for this common species, but it's a good find anyway. Monday 28th May A short walk this...
Spring Ospreys at Longham
Sunday 13th May During a walk around the lakes, during which he heard yesterday's Nightingale briefly, Alan Pearce was treated to a fly-by by this Osprey. You can compare the size to the Swift in the same photograph. This Osprey is the first spring record for Longham...
Woodpecker Double
Wednesday May 16th Ringing at Longham this morning was enlivened by an unusual double woodpecker catch. Both these individuals were caught at separate ends of the same net, at exactly the same time. They were both males with brood patches, proving that both are...
The Voice comes to Longham
Saturday 12th May A first for Longham turned up today in the form of a Nightingale, heard by Derek and Kay Ball on the west side of the site just south of the Causeway between the lakes. It sang for a brief period around 11.50. Also Sedge Warbler, lots of Reed...
Good birds in poor weather
Wednesday 9th May A couple of good species around today. Although the wagtail had evidently gone overnight, there were 2 Sandwich Terns at Longham Bridge this morning, then 1 later in the afternoon (Chris Parnell). This species is very rare here, but in several years...
Good Stuff Keeps Coming
Tuesday 8th May Good birds keep turning up at Longham this spring. At around 11.00, this Yellow Wagtail type - possibly Spanish was seen, along with a couple of Shelduck and a decent passage of Swifts (Alan Pearce). Then, at lunchtime appropriately enough, a Sandwich...
Amazing Fall of Swallows
Thursday May 3rd Took a stroll around Longham Reservoir North this morning hoping to catch up with the Turnstones, but sadly they had gone. On the island the 2 Ruffs remained, with the Black-tailed Godwits, now 2 Dunlins and, new in, 4 Common Sandpipers. 2 Shelducks...
Migrants stream through
2nd May 2012 A superb day at Longham Lakes today, one of the most interesting we've ever had in the spring. Birders have been given a gift by Sembcorp, in that the water level at both reservoirs has been lowered, and there is mud available on the banks and islands,...
Spring Waders and More
Friday April 20th All-round, a pretty interesting day at Longham Lakes. Chris Parnell had 7 Common Sandpipers, the first of the year, as well as Reed Warbler singing, also making this species's first appearance. Trevor Thorpe had a hat-trick of waders: 8 Common...