Rare birds heading for Southern Europe and Africa have been spotted at the WWT Welney Wetland Centre.

Cambs Times: The Yellow Wagtail. Photo: Roger Rawson/WWTThe Yellow Wagtail. Photo: Roger Rawson/WWT (Image: RLR.Photography)

New birds are dropping in daily as they speed feed to keep their energy levels high. Using the reserve like a service station, birds such as green sandpiper, yellow wagtail and hobby have all been spotted at the centre on the Hundred Foot Bank.

Louise Clewley, warden for WWT Welney, said: “The reserve acts like a giant airport, with birds on international journeys dropping in to rest and feed on the insects available. Then when conditions are right they take to the skies again and continue moving south to their wintering grounds.

“Our team of staff and volunteers work throughout the year to make sure the habitat is able to provide these incredible birds with the ideal place to stop.

“We move the cattle around the reserve to get the best finish on the vegetation through their grazing and to ‘poach up’ the edges of the pools to reveal insect-rich mud!”

Cambs Times: Green Sandpiper at Slimbridge. Photo: James Lees/WWTGreen Sandpiper at Slimbridge. Photo: James Lees/WWT (Image: © Copyright 2015 WWT. All rights reserved)

Cambs Times: The Hobby, which has been spotted at WWT Welney Wetland Centre. Photo: Simon Stirrup/WWTThe Hobby, which has been spotted at WWT Welney Wetland Centre. Photo: Simon Stirrup/WWT (Image: Archant)