Wildlife sightings for 27th December 2011
1 Jack Snipe - marsh 16 Snipe - marsh and main lake 1 Rock Pipit - marsh and scrape 2 Siskin - waterlife 14 Redwing - entrance area, plus some flew W Recent bird highlig [...]
1 Jack Snipe - marsh
16 Snipe - marsh and main lake
1 Rock Pipit - marsh and scrape
2 Siskin - waterlife
14 Redwing - entrance area, plus some flew W
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.
