Wildlife sightings for 13th December 2011
1 Bittern - 3rd reedbed channel closest to wildside hide 200+ Teal - marsh, wader scrape 2 Pintail - marsh 1 Jack Snipe - marsh (to the right of main channel halfway along) 3 Stonechat [...]
1 Bittern - 3rd reedbed channel closest to wildside hide
200+ Teal - marsh, wader scrape
2 Pintail - marsh
1 Jack Snipe - marsh (to the right of main channel halfway along)
3 Stonechat - grazing marsh
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.
