Local birdwatcher Chris Johnston has recorded some of the birds he has seen around Fairfield Nature Reserve recently.
6 April 2026
Time: 07:10 to 08:40
Weather: calm, light cloud, 6°C
Lots of birdsong around the reserve in nice calm conditions.
- 2-3 Chiffchaffs were heard singing.
- 1-2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming and one was seen flying over West Field.
- Three male and one female Pheasant were in Flora Field.
- 2 Stock Doves were seen overhead here. A Buzzard was perched in trees in Pony Wood.
- A pair of Nuthatches were acting very territorially in trees just to the south of Little Wood, chasing off Blue Tits.
- 2 Moorhen were in the flooded section of West Field and another was heard calling in Big Meadow.
27 bird species were noted overall.
12 April 2026
Time: 10:10 to11:30
Weather: sunny, scattered cloud, fresh south-westerly breeze, 11°C
- 1 Swallow seen flying over Flora Field, possibly another or the same over West Field.
- Great Spotted Woodpecker calling in Pony Wood.
- Great Tit observed carrying nesting material into bird box in Little Wood.
- 3+ Chiffchaffs heard singing across the reserve.
- 17+ Jackdaw and 2 Stock Doves in newly ploughed area of Flora Field.
- Female Teal on the pool in West Field, being harassed by a very territorial Moorhen.
- Male Blackcap singing near the orchard.
- Grey Heron seen flying in from a northerly direction and heading towards Upper Sowerholme.
27 species were recorded overall.