Latest Sightings
Cool in the fresh northerly today. Jam packed with birds currently, in particular the enormous roost of Starling that is happening on the Reed Bed with an estimated 50,000 birds coming in from 4pm onward viewed from the Harrier Hide area. The reserve winter closing time of 4.30pm (current sunset time is 4.21pm) is being extended for this viewing.
Wildfowl numbers are still on the up excluding Pink-footed Geese who's numbers generally start to drop back as birds continue on to Norfolk. Any Pink-foot flocks are worth a check as rarer/scarcer geese tend to join these birds.
The Mere is the best spot to check through wildfowl. The recent count of Teal ~ 3000 is getting near the critical mass to turn up a Green-winged Teal which are annual. The drake Scaup is still present and at least two Goldeneye on the Mere too. Sixteen species of duck, geese and swan present recently.
Another good raptor day with the juvenile Red Kite putting in an appearance, 4+ Marsh Harrier, juvenile Peregrine, 5+ Buzzard, 3 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
Waders include 700+ Lapwing, 100+ Snipe, 60 Ruff, 5 Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwit.
More winter thrushes in the area with small flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing flying over. Redwing can normally be spotted near the hawthorn hedge just beyond the duckery.
Other birds of note, Treecreeper near the Kingfisher Hide, two Kingfisher from the Ron Barker Hide, at least 4 Stonechat out on fence post on Plover Field and beyond. Minimum of 3 Cetti's Warbler present, Blackcap (male) near the Kingfisher Hide, Goldcrests with the mixed tit flocks along the Nature Trail and in the Grounds.
Keep an eye out for Brambling at the Janet Kear and Kingfisher Hide feeding stations.
It's possible to see over 70 species of bird in a days birding around the reserve.
If you have seen something interesting or would like to know the best place to spot, then call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide and we will be happy to help.
