Wildlife sightings for 8th February 2012
2 Bittern - north side of reservoir lagoon 2 Shelduck - main lake, reservoir lagoon 4 Pintail - 3 males 1 female, reservoir lagoon 160 Teal - reservoir lagoon 3 Mandarin - collection [...]
2 Bittern - north side of reservoir lagoon
2 Shelduck - main lake, reservoir lagoon
4 Pintail - 3 males 1 female, reservoir lagoon
160 Teal - reservoir lagoon
3 Mandarin - collection
1 Peregrine - across river
1 Woodcock - flew W from Castlenau bank
1 Dunlin - main lake, shingle island opposite Dulverton hide
300+ Redwing - entrance area, Queen Elizabeth Walk, playing fields, wildside
17 Fieldfare - Thames bank
6 Lesser Redpoll - sheltered lagoon
Recent bird highlights: Bittern, Peregrine, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Dunlin, Golden Plover, Ruff, Yellow-legged Gull and Skylark.
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. Redwing numbers have risen dramatically with most choosing to feed on the berry-laden Holly trees and Hawthorns near the entrance lake.
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. The cold weather is displacing many species so that any irregular species could show up on the reserve.
Cetti’s Warbler are becoming more vocal at present with at least 7 birds to be found across the reserve. Skylark are flying through with the occasional bird landing on the marsh.
Flowering plants: Marsh Marigold, Hazel catkins, Blackthorn, Hawthorn (in leaf).
