Wildlife sightings for 24th January 2012
2 Stonechat - grazing marsh 1 Shelduck - main lake 71 Wigeon - grazing marsh 69 Shoveler - main lake, grazing marsh 53 Lapwing - main lake 15 Common Gull - main lake, scrape, marsh [...]
2 Stonechat - grazing marsh
1 Shelduck - main lake
71 Wigeon - grazing marsh
69 Shoveler - main lake, grazing marsh
53 Lapwing - main lake
15 Common Gull - main lake, scrape, marsh
38 Cormorant - main lake
268 Black-headed Gull - site count
66 Herring Gull - marsh, main lake
19 Lesser Black-backed Gull - marsh, main lake
12 Greater Black-backed Gull - marsh, main lake
1 Yellow-legged Gull - main lake
1 Collared Dove - near entrance area
36 Redwing - entrance area and near Headley hide
6 Siskin - over sheltered lagoon
Recent bird highlights: Bittern, Peregrine, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged 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, Hawthorn (in leaf).
