Wildlife sightings for 26th October 2011
1 Bittern - south shore of Main Lake between Dulverton Hide and Observatory, 1 Jack Snipe - marsh, 8 Snipe - scrape and marsh, 3 Fieldfare - flew W, 7 Siskin - wildside, 3 Chiffcha [...]
1 Bittern - south shore of Main Lake between Dulverton Hide and Observatory,
1 Jack Snipe - marsh,
8 Snipe - scrape and marsh,
3 Fieldfare - flew W,
7 Siskin - wildside,
3 Chiffchaff - wildside and sheltered lagoon,
140 Wood Pigeon - migrating SW a.m. Some dropped into the marsh briefly,
2 Stonechat - marsh
Recent bird highlights: Bittern, Little Egret, Peregrine, Green Sandpiper, Jack Snipe, Wheatear, Rock Pipit, Water Pipit, Skylark and Stonechat.
Autumn migration is underway with post-breeding birds arriving on the reserve. Small numbers of Swallows and Martins are still flying through southwards. Look out for late Yellow Wagtails flying through or landing for a feed on the marsh, along with Whinchat and Stonechat perching on the marsh fences. Skylarks are just starting to move in numbers now, mainly flying W. Late Wheatear are best found on the short, grazed grass banks on the marsh. Jack Snipe has been spotted several times on the scrape or marsh on the edges of long vegetation.
Flocks of wintering duck have settled on the reserve with Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon and Teal all on the increase.
The hedges and scrub blocks still hold a few Warblers, Tit flocks and migrant passerines, particularly those spots that have been warmed by the early morning sunshine. Look out for a real rarity like a Yellow-browed Warbler that tend to follow these Tit flocks around.
The first Redwings and Fieldfares have arrived, much later than usual due to the warmer conditions in September and early October.
The first Bitterns (2) arrived mid-October and can be found on the main lake and sheltered lagoon reed fringes at present.
Bats:The last bat survey of the year revealed good numbers of Soprano, Nathusius' and Common Pipistrelles, several Daubenton's Bats feeding on the wader scrape and a Leisler's Bat near the centre.
Reptiles: Common Lizards may be found by the Dulverton hide, BogGarden, sustainable log garden and any convenient log piles particularly on warm, sunny days.
Butterflies: Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue.
Dragonflies: Migrant Hawkers, Common Darter.
