THIS RESERVE ALONGSIDE the River Great Ouse consists of a number of large flooded gravel pits, but while waterbirds are a large part of its attraction, it has much else to recommend it.
In spring, Cuckoos are regular here, as well as good numbers of singing warblers – Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, while that recent colonist the Cetti’s Warbler is also present.
Hobbies take advantage of the plentiful dragonflies and hirundines (its relative, the Red-footed Falcon, has also paid a visit this year). Common Terns nest, and Black Terns are regular passage birds, here.
In autumn and winter, Starlings often gather in huge murmurations over the extensive reedbeds, and Bittern is always a possibility in the reeds during the colder…
