Our feathered friends

Thirteen species of bird are known to frequent the varied landscape of Gilbratar Point at different periods throughout the year.

Some number highest in the winter, while others are so rare that you’d be very lucky to even catch a glimpse.

The oystercatcher is perhaps the most often noticed bird at the reserve, because its black and white plumage and long beak makes it somewhat distinctive. It’s a wading bird and can be seen in abundance in September at high tide.

The knot is another bird to be found often in large numbers. Large flocks will glide and veer through the air in their thousands, making it easy to know if you’ve seen them! September and October are the peak times to catch these remarkable creatures as they flock to the British Isles from their breeding grounds high in the Arctic.

Among the other species - although one seen far less frequently - is the shorelark. Its declining numbers mean you might just spot a few dozen in the saltmarsh areas during the winter.

Why not let us know if you’ve spotted a species that isn’t listed above…?

Did you know…?

There are ten species of hawkmoth that have been known to call Gibraltar Point their home.

When you think of a nature reserve, your thoughts probably go more toward birds, rabbits and possibly marine life like seals - but in fact there’s a lot more to Gibraltar Point in terms of wildlife than first meets the eye.

Hawkmoth species to be found there include the Poplar, Elephant, Small Elephant, Eyed, Privet, Pine, Lime, Convolvulous, Bedstraw and perhaps the most commonly known, the Hummingbird Hawkmoth.

Its sheer size and appearance make the Hummingbird Hawkmoth a wonderful sight to see, and of course its name comes from the common first-glance confusion that leads many people to think they’ve seen a hummingbird.

Unlike many species, the Hummingbird Hawkmoth can be seen in daylight - though most commonly around dusk. It will move rapidly between flowers until finding a good source of nectar, at which point it will begin its hovering hummingbird-like behaviour and feed through its proboscis.

More rare is the Bedstraw Hawkmoth - a European migrant only recorded at the reserve in 1973, 1993 and 1996.

Why not take a stroll through Gibraltar Point and see what you can spot…?

Wildlife

Join in and post in this blog about wildlife at Gibraltar point nature reserve Skegness