Wildlife sightings for 1st January 2012
2 Pintail - male and female, marsh 1 Bittern - between Dulverton and WWF hides on south side of main lake, best seen from Peacock Tower 1 Peregrine - seen on two separate occasions fast and lo [...]
2 Pintail - male and female, marsh
1 Bittern - between Dulverton and WWF hides on south side of main lake, best seen from Peacock Tower
1 Peregrine - seen on two separate occasions fast and low over the site, harrassed by gulls and crows
2 Stonechat - pair, fox fence on marsh
Recent bird highlights: Bittern, Peregrine, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Caspian Gull, Stonechat, Bearded Tit, Crossbill.
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.
