Wildlife sightings for 20th December 2011
2 Bittern - middle reedbed channel right hand side, main lake 3 Pintail - grazing marsh 19 Snipe - grazing marsh 1 Shelduck - main lake 2 Stonechat - grazing marsh 16 Lesser R [...]
2 Bittern - middle reedbed channel right hand side, main lake
3 Pintail - grazing marsh
19 Snipe - grazing marsh
1 Shelduck - main lake
2 Stonechat - grazing marsh
16 Lesser Redpoll - wildside
4 Siskin - wildside
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: Red Campion, Field Scabious, Bird’s Foot Trefoil, Ragwort.
