Where to see ruff in breeding plumage? (1 Viewer)

[jerry12953]

Does anyone know where it might be possible to see ruff in breeding plumage in the UK? Or even a lek?

I see from the "Atlas" that they do nest in the UK. I wonder if any of these locations are on reserves with viewing facilities, or if birds on passage to these locations prior to breeding can be seen anywhere.

I'm fully aware of the dangers of posting detailed info on rare breeders, and won't be surprised if i don't get any replies at all! But if anyone would care to drop me a line I'd be grateful.....

My email address -jerry 'AT' wild-wales 'DOT' com.

many thanks!

 

[Boro Birder]

Friend done a 460odd bike ride round the Outer and Inner Hebrides and I do know on part of his journey on the Outer Hebs he seen Ruff in breeding plumage, this was between the dates of the 16 May-3 June and will get exact location if you want it.

Damian

 

[Mark Lew1s]

Ruff are extremely rare breeders in UK, see

http://www.rbbp.org.uk/downloads/rbbp-report-2011.pdf

I wouldn't be passing on details of potential breeding sites.

 

[jerry12953]

Ruff are extremely rare breeders in UK, see

http://www.rbbp.org.uk/downloads/rbbp-report-2011.pdf

I wouldn't be passing on details of potential breeding sites.

Thanks for posting that. The rare birds breeding report is always very interesting.

I could make educated guesses about several of those sites.

 

[jerry12953]

Friend done a 460odd bike ride round the Outer and Inner Hebrides and I do know on part of his journey on the Outer Hebs he seen Ruff in breeding plumage, this was between the dates of the 16 May-3 June and will get exact location if you want it.

Damian

Thanks but I think the Outer Hebs is unfortunately a bit too far away.

 

[JWN Andrewes]

I don't think I'm giving anything away to say that the Ouse Washes always used to be the centre of Ruff breeding in the UK (if you've got the 'Atlas' you'll already know that), so the RSPB's Ouse or Nene Washes reserves or WWT's Welney may be good places to start a search, maybe give yourself 2 or 3 days mid May checking them out, which puts you within striking distance of the north Norfolk coast and Cley, Titchwell etc where migrating birds are always a fair possibility. Even if you don't find a breeding site (and I doubt you would, any on reserves I would expect to be out of bounds) they will sometimes lek and mate at one site and then continue migrating north to actually nest, so even migrants will sometimes deliver in terms of spectacle. There were three that put on a great performance over several days at Inner Marsh Farm back in early May '93 before decamping without actually nesting.

Good luck

James

 

[jerry12953]

I don't think I'm giving anything away to say that the Ouse Washes always used to be the centre of Ruff breeding in the UK (if you've got the 'Atlas' you'll already know that), so the RSPB's Ouse or Nene Washes reserves or WWT's Welney may be good places to start a search, maybe give yourself 2 or 3 days mid May checking them out, which puts you within striking distance of the north Norfolk coast and Cley, Titchwell etc where migrating birds are always a fair possibility. Even if you don't find a breeding site (and I doubt you would, any on reserves I would expect to be out of bounds) they will sometimes lek and mate at one site and then continue migrating north to actually nest, so even migrants will sometimes deliver in terms of spectacle. There were three that put on a great performance over several days at Inner Marsh Farm back in early May '93 before decamping without actually nesting.

Good luck

James

Good thinking! It looks like N. Lancs might be worth a good scout round too, with a quick visit to Burton Mere on the way up.......

http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/pl...y-blog/archive/2012/04/24/ruff-and-ready.aspx