Wildlife sightings for 22nd January 2012
3 Mandarin - flew over wildside p.m. 3 Pintail - 2 male, 1 female - main lake and marsh channel c.20 Redwing - Queen Elizabeth Walk 2 Stonechat - grazing marsh Recent bird h [...]
3 Mandarin - flew over wildside p.m.
3 Pintail - 2 male, 1 female - main lake and marsh channel
c.20 Redwing - Queen Elizabeth Walk
2 Stonechat - grazing marsh
Recent bird highlights: Bittern, Peregrine, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Caspian Gull, Stonechat, Bullfinch, Rock Pipit 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.
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.
Look out for possible Scaup amongst the Tufted Duck flocks.
Cetti’s Warbler are becoming more vocal at present with at least 6 birds to be found across the reserve.
Fungi: Nitrous Bonnet (WW), Saffron Milkcap (WW), Candlesnuff Fungus (SL), Girdled Knight (SL), Silver-leaf Fungus (SL), Meadow Coral (EL), Clustered Bonnet (WD), Oak Mazegill (WD), Deceiver (WD), Ochre Aldercap (WD), Snowy Waxcap (EL), Leaf Parachute (SL).
Flowering plants: Marsh Marigold, Hazel catkins, Blackthorn.
