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Nature news from North Cave Wetlands
It has been a good year for Redpolls, with up to 60 seen. Although there are only small numbers now, they occasionally forsake the tops of trees to come lower to give better views
November 22, 2025 at 6:06 PM
It has been a good year for Redpolls, with up to 60 seen. Although there are only small numbers now, they occasionally forsake the tops of trees to come lower to give better views
Saturday,
A female Merlin circled the Village lake & also hunted finches along the East path in the early morning,
4 Whooper swans roosted on Crossland's lake (leaving early), with 10 Eygptian geese on East Holm at the same time,
A Woodcock was flushed from a hedge below Crossland's hide,
A female Merlin circled the Village lake & also hunted finches along the East path in the early morning,
4 Whooper swans roosted on Crossland's lake (leaving early), with 10 Eygptian geese on East Holm at the same time,
A Woodcock was flushed from a hedge below Crossland's hide,
November 22, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Saturday,
A female Merlin circled the Village lake & also hunted finches along the East path in the early morning,
4 Whooper swans roosted on Crossland's lake (leaving early), with 10 Eygptian geese on East Holm at the same time,
A Woodcock was flushed from a hedge below Crossland's hide,
A female Merlin circled the Village lake & also hunted finches along the East path in the early morning,
4 Whooper swans roosted on Crossland's lake (leaving early), with 10 Eygptian geese on East Holm at the same time,
A Woodcock was flushed from a hedge below Crossland's hide,
The numbers of Redwings & Fieldfares this year seem to be lower, with the big flocks moving thro' fairly quickly.
This is confirmed by the number of berries still on the hawthorns (usually by now they would have been stripped).
The upside is an increased number of Blackbirds taking advantage of this
This is confirmed by the number of berries still on the hawthorns (usually by now they would have been stripped).
The upside is an increased number of Blackbirds taking advantage of this
November 21, 2025 at 6:44 PM
The numbers of Redwings & Fieldfares this year seem to be lower, with the big flocks moving thro' fairly quickly.
This is confirmed by the number of berries still on the hawthorns (usually by now they would have been stripped).
The upside is an increased number of Blackbirds taking advantage of this
This is confirmed by the number of berries still on the hawthorns (usually by now they would have been stripped).
The upside is an increased number of Blackbirds taking advantage of this
Friday,
A Woodcock was flushed from the path leading to the Dennis Wood's hide,
2 Eygtpian geese were on East Holm & then the North field,
A female Goldeneye was on Crossland's lake, with 36 Shelducks counted on the reserve,
Also seen was a single Whooper swan (west) & Bearded tits (Cell 'C')
A Woodcock was flushed from the path leading to the Dennis Wood's hide,
2 Eygtpian geese were on East Holm & then the North field,
A female Goldeneye was on Crossland's lake, with 36 Shelducks counted on the reserve,
Also seen was a single Whooper swan (west) & Bearded tits (Cell 'C')
November 21, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Friday,
A Woodcock was flushed from the path leading to the Dennis Wood's hide,
2 Eygtpian geese were on East Holm & then the North field,
A female Goldeneye was on Crossland's lake, with 36 Shelducks counted on the reserve,
Also seen was a single Whooper swan (west) & Bearded tits (Cell 'C')
A Woodcock was flushed from the path leading to the Dennis Wood's hide,
2 Eygtpian geese were on East Holm & then the North field,
A female Goldeneye was on Crossland's lake, with 36 Shelducks counted on the reserve,
Also seen was a single Whooper swan (west) & Bearded tits (Cell 'C')
Thursday,
There was a Woodcock by the East path, with a Green sandpiper on the 'Bungalow ' pond,
A Grey plover flew west over the Village lake mid-morning,
26 Curlews roosted on East Holm,
About 60,000 Starlings equally roosted in Dryham Ings & the Reed-bed,
Also 3 Marsh harriers (over West Holm)
There was a Woodcock by the East path, with a Green sandpiper on the 'Bungalow ' pond,
A Grey plover flew west over the Village lake mid-morning,
26 Curlews roosted on East Holm,
About 60,000 Starlings equally roosted in Dryham Ings & the Reed-bed,
Also 3 Marsh harriers (over West Holm)
November 20, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Thursday,
There was a Woodcock by the East path, with a Green sandpiper on the 'Bungalow ' pond,
A Grey plover flew west over the Village lake mid-morning,
26 Curlews roosted on East Holm,
About 60,000 Starlings equally roosted in Dryham Ings & the Reed-bed,
Also 3 Marsh harriers (over West Holm)
There was a Woodcock by the East path, with a Green sandpiper on the 'Bungalow ' pond,
A Grey plover flew west over the Village lake mid-morning,
26 Curlews roosted on East Holm,
About 60,000 Starlings equally roosted in Dryham Ings & the Reed-bed,
Also 3 Marsh harriers (over West Holm)
The north pair of Stonechats graced the Reed-bed in the sunshine this morning.
One of 2 pairs wintering, they can sometimes be difficult to see as they disappear into the North field.
Bute a little bit of sunshine after the recent rains, seemed to make the difference
One of 2 pairs wintering, they can sometimes be difficult to see as they disappear into the North field.
Bute a little bit of sunshine after the recent rains, seemed to make the difference
November 19, 2025 at 5:36 PM
The north pair of Stonechats graced the Reed-bed in the sunshine this morning.
One of 2 pairs wintering, they can sometimes be difficult to see as they disappear into the North field.
Bute a little bit of sunshine after the recent rains, seemed to make the difference
One of 2 pairs wintering, they can sometimes be difficult to see as they disappear into the North field.
Bute a little bit of sunshine after the recent rains, seemed to make the difference
Wednesday,
The pair of Stonechats shown well on the Reed-bed from the North path,
31 Shelducks were counted on Crossland's lake,
A Peregrine flew south over East Holm
The pair of Stonechats shown well on the Reed-bed from the North path,
31 Shelducks were counted on Crossland's lake,
A Peregrine flew south over East Holm
November 19, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Wednesday,
The pair of Stonechats shown well on the Reed-bed from the North path,
31 Shelducks were counted on Crossland's lake,
A Peregrine flew south over East Holm
The pair of Stonechats shown well on the Reed-bed from the North path,
31 Shelducks were counted on Crossland's lake,
A Peregrine flew south over East Holm
Monday,
Whooper swan & Pink-footed geese were over the reserve in the early morning, with 15 Shelducks counted on East Holm,
Also seen was 2 Marsh harriers, Green sandpiper (New workings), male Stonechat (Reed-bed), Kingfisher, 10 Fieldfares (by Crossland's lake) & 14 Curlews (Village lake)
Whooper swan & Pink-footed geese were over the reserve in the early morning, with 15 Shelducks counted on East Holm,
Also seen was 2 Marsh harriers, Green sandpiper (New workings), male Stonechat (Reed-bed), Kingfisher, 10 Fieldfares (by Crossland's lake) & 14 Curlews (Village lake)
November 17, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Monday,
Whooper swan & Pink-footed geese were over the reserve in the early morning, with 15 Shelducks counted on East Holm,
Also seen was 2 Marsh harriers, Green sandpiper (New workings), male Stonechat (Reed-bed), Kingfisher, 10 Fieldfares (by Crossland's lake) & 14 Curlews (Village lake)
Whooper swan & Pink-footed geese were over the reserve in the early morning, with 15 Shelducks counted on East Holm,
Also seen was 2 Marsh harriers, Green sandpiper (New workings), male Stonechat (Reed-bed), Kingfisher, 10 Fieldfares (by Crossland's lake) & 14 Curlews (Village lake)
Sunday,
There were 34 Whooper swans thro' the reserve today, 11 & 3 overhead south & then 20 (including 13 juveniles) briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south,
The Bittern was seen on both the Main & Village lakes,
At least 80,000 Starlings roosted in Cell 'C' this evening,
There were 34 Whooper swans thro' the reserve today, 11 & 3 overhead south & then 20 (including 13 juveniles) briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south,
The Bittern was seen on both the Main & Village lakes,
At least 80,000 Starlings roosted in Cell 'C' this evening,
November 16, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Sunday,
There were 34 Whooper swans thro' the reserve today, 11 & 3 overhead south & then 20 (including 13 juveniles) briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south,
The Bittern was seen on both the Main & Village lakes,
At least 80,000 Starlings roosted in Cell 'C' this evening,
There were 34 Whooper swans thro' the reserve today, 11 & 3 overhead south & then 20 (including 13 juveniles) briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south,
The Bittern was seen on both the Main & Village lakes,
At least 80,000 Starlings roosted in Cell 'C' this evening,
Surprise of the morning, was this flock of 40 Golden plovers that not only over flew Esat Holm, but then wheeled round & landed in amongst the Lapwings, staying put for at least 30 minutes.
November 15, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Surprise of the morning, was this flock of 40 Golden plovers that not only over flew Esat Holm, but then wheeled round & landed in amongst the Lapwings, staying put for at least 30 minutes.
Saturday,
On East Holm, there were up to 10 Dunlins present, a Ruff & 26 Golden plovers dropped in,
There were 3 Goldeneyes on Crossland's Lake (including a drake) & a Woodcock was flushed nearby on the West path,
8 Whooper swans flew south east, with another 6 south in the afternoon
On East Holm, there were up to 10 Dunlins present, a Ruff & 26 Golden plovers dropped in,
There were 3 Goldeneyes on Crossland's Lake (including a drake) & a Woodcock was flushed nearby on the West path,
8 Whooper swans flew south east, with another 6 south in the afternoon
November 15, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Saturday,
On East Holm, there were up to 10 Dunlins present, a Ruff & 26 Golden plovers dropped in,
There were 3 Goldeneyes on Crossland's Lake (including a drake) & a Woodcock was flushed nearby on the West path,
8 Whooper swans flew south east, with another 6 south in the afternoon
On East Holm, there were up to 10 Dunlins present, a Ruff & 26 Golden plovers dropped in,
There were 3 Goldeneyes on Crossland's Lake (including a drake) & a Woodcock was flushed nearby on the West path,
8 Whooper swans flew south east, with another 6 south in the afternoon
On a very wet morning, it was good to enter the South hide & see the Main lake Teal pair right under the viewing windows of the South hide & be able to observe them quietly feeding for a while
November 14, 2025 at 6:58 PM
On a very wet morning, it was good to enter the South hide & see the Main lake Teal pair right under the viewing windows of the South hide & be able to observe them quietly feeding for a while
Friday,
A very wet day,
14 Whooper swans circled the Village lake & flew off to the west,
A pair of Goldeneye were on the Main lake, with 2 other females seen elsewhere,
About 70,000 Stralings roosted on Dryham Ings & left early in the morning,
A very wet day,
14 Whooper swans circled the Village lake & flew off to the west,
A pair of Goldeneye were on the Main lake, with 2 other females seen elsewhere,
About 70,000 Stralings roosted on Dryham Ings & left early in the morning,
November 14, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Friday,
A very wet day,
14 Whooper swans circled the Village lake & flew off to the west,
A pair of Goldeneye were on the Main lake, with 2 other females seen elsewhere,
About 70,000 Stralings roosted on Dryham Ings & left early in the morning,
A very wet day,
14 Whooper swans circled the Village lake & flew off to the west,
A pair of Goldeneye were on the Main lake, with 2 other females seen elsewhere,
About 70,000 Stralings roosted on Dryham Ings & left early in the morning,
Thursday,
6 Whooper swans were seen to fly south, with a single roosting on Crossland's lake (left early in the morning),
About 60 Pink-footed geese roosted on East Holm, with 3 Eygptian geese. Over 3,000 Pink footed geese north over the reserve,
The female Goldeneye was on East Holm & Far lake,
6 Whooper swans were seen to fly south, with a single roosting on Crossland's lake (left early in the morning),
About 60 Pink-footed geese roosted on East Holm, with 3 Eygptian geese. Over 3,000 Pink footed geese north over the reserve,
The female Goldeneye was on East Holm & Far lake,
November 13, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Thursday,
6 Whooper swans were seen to fly south, with a single roosting on Crossland's lake (left early in the morning),
About 60 Pink-footed geese roosted on East Holm, with 3 Eygptian geese. Over 3,000 Pink footed geese north over the reserve,
The female Goldeneye was on East Holm & Far lake,
6 Whooper swans were seen to fly south, with a single roosting on Crossland's lake (left early in the morning),
About 60 Pink-footed geese roosted on East Holm, with 3 Eygptian geese. Over 3,000 Pink footed geese north over the reserve,
The female Goldeneye was on East Holm & Far lake,
Wednesday,
21 Whooper swans flew south over the reserve in the morning (herds of 11, 4 & 6),
An Eygptian goose was on Crossland's lake, with a Dunlin on the causeway & a Ruff on East Holm, all in the early morning,
Grey wagtail was on East Holm, the pair of Stonechats by the Dragonfly ponds
21 Whooper swans flew south over the reserve in the morning (herds of 11, 4 & 6),
An Eygptian goose was on Crossland's lake, with a Dunlin on the causeway & a Ruff on East Holm, all in the early morning,
Grey wagtail was on East Holm, the pair of Stonechats by the Dragonfly ponds
November 12, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Wednesday,
21 Whooper swans flew south over the reserve in the morning (herds of 11, 4 & 6),
An Eygptian goose was on Crossland's lake, with a Dunlin on the causeway & a Ruff on East Holm, all in the early morning,
Grey wagtail was on East Holm, the pair of Stonechats by the Dragonfly ponds
21 Whooper swans flew south over the reserve in the morning (herds of 11, 4 & 6),
An Eygptian goose was on Crossland's lake, with a Dunlin on the causeway & a Ruff on East Holm, all in the early morning,
Grey wagtail was on East Holm, the pair of Stonechats by the Dragonfly ponds
In the afternoon, with poor light, looking over the Island lake & the Teal start coming out of the water onto dry land.
In the water goes an Otter & swims straight across the lake exiting into the reeds, with the Teal keeping a way eye on it.
Always a bit distant but great to see
In the water goes an Otter & swims straight across the lake exiting into the reeds, with the Teal keeping a way eye on it.
Always a bit distant but great to see
November 11, 2025 at 7:29 PM
In the afternoon, with poor light, looking over the Island lake & the Teal start coming out of the water onto dry land.
In the water goes an Otter & swims straight across the lake exiting into the reeds, with the Teal keeping a way eye on it.
Always a bit distant but great to see
In the water goes an Otter & swims straight across the lake exiting into the reeds, with the Teal keeping a way eye on it.
Always a bit distant but great to see
Tuesday,
5 Whooper swans flew south, with a drake Pintail & female Goldeneyes on Crossland's lake,
13 Pink-footed geese flew low over Crossland's lake, with 2 of them joining the Greylags there,
2 Dunlin dropped onto Crossland's causeway, with a Marsh harrier over the North field,
5 Whooper swans flew south, with a drake Pintail & female Goldeneyes on Crossland's lake,
13 Pink-footed geese flew low over Crossland's lake, with 2 of them joining the Greylags there,
2 Dunlin dropped onto Crossland's causeway, with a Marsh harrier over the North field,
November 11, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Tuesday,
5 Whooper swans flew south, with a drake Pintail & female Goldeneyes on Crossland's lake,
13 Pink-footed geese flew low over Crossland's lake, with 2 of them joining the Greylags there,
2 Dunlin dropped onto Crossland's causeway, with a Marsh harrier over the North field,
5 Whooper swans flew south, with a drake Pintail & female Goldeneyes on Crossland's lake,
13 Pink-footed geese flew low over Crossland's lake, with 2 of them joining the Greylags there,
2 Dunlin dropped onto Crossland's causeway, with a Marsh harrier over the North field,
Starlings, the highlight of the day
It started early in the morning, with the departure of the Dryham reservoir roosting birds (up to 60,000 present), but they can be difficult to photograph in the early morning light.
Then some birds in an Ash tree, provide the chance to see their gleamin plumage
It started early in the morning, with the departure of the Dryham reservoir roosting birds (up to 60,000 present), but they can be difficult to photograph in the early morning light.
Then some birds in an Ash tree, provide the chance to see their gleamin plumage
November 10, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Starlings, the highlight of the day
It started early in the morning, with the departure of the Dryham reservoir roosting birds (up to 60,000 present), but they can be difficult to photograph in the early morning light.
Then some birds in an Ash tree, provide the chance to see their gleamin plumage
It started early in the morning, with the departure of the Dryham reservoir roosting birds (up to 60,000 present), but they can be difficult to photograph in the early morning light.
Then some birds in an Ash tree, provide the chance to see their gleamin plumage
Monday,
The solitary Whooper swan was back on Crossland's lake in the morning, with the female Goldeneye still on the Far lake,
11 Curlews on the Island lake & a Ruff on East Holm,
Also a pair of Stonechats (North hedge), Marsh harrier (over Cell 'A'), male Blackcap (Dryham lane by Cell 'A'),
The solitary Whooper swan was back on Crossland's lake in the morning, with the female Goldeneye still on the Far lake,
11 Curlews on the Island lake & a Ruff on East Holm,
Also a pair of Stonechats (North hedge), Marsh harrier (over Cell 'A'), male Blackcap (Dryham lane by Cell 'A'),
November 10, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Monday,
The solitary Whooper swan was back on Crossland's lake in the morning, with the female Goldeneye still on the Far lake,
11 Curlews on the Island lake & a Ruff on East Holm,
Also a pair of Stonechats (North hedge), Marsh harrier (over Cell 'A'), male Blackcap (Dryham lane by Cell 'A'),
The solitary Whooper swan was back on Crossland's lake in the morning, with the female Goldeneye still on the Far lake,
11 Curlews on the Island lake & a Ruff on East Holm,
Also a pair of Stonechats (North hedge), Marsh harrier (over Cell 'A'), male Blackcap (Dryham lane by Cell 'A'),
Continuing this weeks Whooper swan theme, a pair roosted on the Reed-bed this morning, flew to Crossland's causeway & waited for the morning mist to go before flying off south west.
November 9, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Continuing this weeks Whooper swan theme, a pair roosted on the Reed-bed this morning, flew to Crossland's causeway & waited for the morning mist to go before flying off south west.
Sunday,
2 Whooper swans roosted on the Reed-bed & then spent part of the morning on Crossland's hide, before flying off south west,
Jst a single Ruff on East Holm, with 13 Golden plovers briefly on the Silt pond before flying off south & a Green sandpiper seen on the Silt pond & Village lake,
2 Whooper swans roosted on the Reed-bed & then spent part of the morning on Crossland's hide, before flying off south west,
Jst a single Ruff on East Holm, with 13 Golden plovers briefly on the Silt pond before flying off south & a Green sandpiper seen on the Silt pond & Village lake,
November 9, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Sunday,
2 Whooper swans roosted on the Reed-bed & then spent part of the morning on Crossland's hide, before flying off south west,
Jst a single Ruff on East Holm, with 13 Golden plovers briefly on the Silt pond before flying off south & a Green sandpiper seen on the Silt pond & Village lake,
2 Whooper swans roosted on the Reed-bed & then spent part of the morning on Crossland's hide, before flying off south west,
Jst a single Ruff on East Holm, with 13 Golden plovers briefly on the Silt pond before flying off south & a Green sandpiper seen on the Silt pond & Village lake,
A bit of good news this morning was the sighting of 'Kinky-neck', a Whooper swan that has passed thro' the reserve for the last 4 years.
Part of a group of 10 on Crossland's lake that departed south in the early morning
Part of a group of 10 on Crossland's lake that departed south in the early morning
November 8, 2025 at 7:08 PM
A bit of good news this morning was the sighting of 'Kinky-neck', a Whooper swan that has passed thro' the reserve for the last 4 years.
Part of a group of 10 on Crossland's lake that departed south in the early morning
Part of a group of 10 on Crossland's lake that departed south in the early morning
Saturday,
In the early morning, there were 10 Whooper swans (including 'kinky-neck') on Crossland's lake departing south,
The single Whooper swan was again on Crossland's lake,
2 Ruffs were on East Holm, with 4 brief Dunlins on Crossland's causeway,
About 40,000 Starlings roosted in Dryham Ings
In the early morning, there were 10 Whooper swans (including 'kinky-neck') on Crossland's lake departing south,
The single Whooper swan was again on Crossland's lake,
2 Ruffs were on East Holm, with 4 brief Dunlins on Crossland's causeway,
About 40,000 Starlings roosted in Dryham Ings
November 8, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Saturday,
In the early morning, there were 10 Whooper swans (including 'kinky-neck') on Crossland's lake departing south,
The single Whooper swan was again on Crossland's lake,
2 Ruffs were on East Holm, with 4 brief Dunlins on Crossland's causeway,
About 40,000 Starlings roosted in Dryham Ings
In the early morning, there were 10 Whooper swans (including 'kinky-neck') on Crossland's lake departing south,
The single Whooper swan was again on Crossland's lake,
2 Ruffs were on East Holm, with 4 brief Dunlins on Crossland's causeway,
About 40,000 Starlings roosted in Dryham Ings
Despite some cold mornings, 6 Common darters were still sunning & chasing each other by the entrance to the Butterfly walk.
Looking at the weather forecast, they may be around for a few more days yet
Looking at the weather forecast, they may be around for a few more days yet
November 7, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Despite some cold mornings, 6 Common darters were still sunning & chasing each other by the entrance to the Butterfly walk.
Looking at the weather forecast, they may be around for a few more days yet
Looking at the weather forecast, they may be around for a few more days yet
This morning's early morning surprise was the 11 Whooper swans (including 4 juveniles) that roosted on the Village lake. This season nearly all the Whooper swans have been on Crossland's lake,
They flew off north & so will hopefully avoid the Avian flu that is about in the Fens
They flew off north & so will hopefully avoid the Avian flu that is about in the Fens
November 7, 2025 at 6:01 PM
This morning's early morning surprise was the 11 Whooper swans (including 4 juveniles) that roosted on the Village lake. This season nearly all the Whooper swans have been on Crossland's lake,
They flew off north & so will hopefully avoid the Avian flu that is about in the Fens
They flew off north & so will hopefully avoid the Avian flu that is about in the Fens