Wildlife sightings for 12th December 2011
2 Bittern - main lake N shore and S shore (between Dulverton hide and WWF hide) 3 Pintail - marsh, main lake 240 Teal - marsh 72 Wigeon - marsh 24 Snipe - marsh, main lake 1 Jack S [...]
2 Bittern - main lake N shore and S shore (between Dulverton hide and WWF hide)
3 Pintail - marsh, main lake
240 Teal - marsh
72 Wigeon - marsh
24 Snipe - marsh, main lake
1 Jack Snipe - marsh
2 Stonechat - marsh
15 Lesser Redpoll - wildside
21 Goldfinch - wildside
8 Siskin - sheltered lagoon
Recent bird highlights: Smew, Bittern, Peregrine, Buzzard, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Caspian Gull, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Stonechat, Bearded Tit and Mealy Redpoll.
The grazing marsh is currently in flood and attracting large numbers of Teal, Gadwall, Snipe, Pintail and Wigeon. Jack Snipe can also be found on the marsh, along with Stonechat and occasional Pipit species.
Small flocks of Siskin, Goldfinch, Lesser Redpoll and Mealy Redpoll are feeding amongst the Alder and Birch trees.
Check through any Tit flocks for possible Goldcrest and Firecrest at this time of year. Over-wintering Chiffchaff will often feed with these flocks as well. There are at least 5 Cetti’s Warbler on the reserve.
The first Bitterns (2) arrived mid-October and can be found anywhere on the reed fringes of the main lake, sheltered lagoon, reservoir lagoon or main reedbed.
Listen out for the distinctive ‘pinging’ call of Bearded Tits that have recently been spotted in the reedbeds. Further small flocks of this species can be expected as temperatures drop.
Moths: Large Wainscot, Feathered Thorn, Light-brown Apple, Brick.
Late flowering plants: Common Knapweed, Deptford Pink, Red Campion, Bird’s Foot Trefoil, Ragwort, Marsh Marigold.
