Wildlife sightings for 23rd February 2018
2 Mealy Redpoll - sheltered lagoon (near wader scrape hide), world wetlands/entrance lake
1 Lesser Redpoll - over NW
1 Goldeneye - main lake
2 Bittern - main lake N+NE shores
16 Siskin - sheltered lagoon, south route
15 Fieldfare - wader scrape bank
21 Redwing - south route, sheltered lagoon, entrance lake
2 Kestrel (pair) - flew over south route heading N
February bird highlights: Jack Snipe, Bittern, Goldeneye, Caspian Gull, Peregrine, Kingfisher, Stonechat, Water Pipit, Mealy Redpoll.
The grazing marsh is flooded, attracting good numbers of Wigeon and Shoveler, as well as Water Pipit. The fences around the marsh are a good spot for birds like Stonechat or Pipit species, while the muddier or tussocky parts of the marsh, main lake and wader scrape may have some waders (like Dunlin or Snipe).
Up to 4 Bitterns can mostly be found on the main lake north, south or south-east shores. A long-staying Goldeneye female has been seen most days on the main lake edges. Snipe have been easy to see most days close in to the Headley Hide, feeding through the damp ground in between the lake and the pond.
By mid-February many passerines are in full song to attract mates and hold territories for breeding, such as Song Thrush, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Robin and Great Tit. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are drumming and Black-headed Gulls are already squabbling over their nest sites.
Early flowering plants: Winter Aconite, Snowdrop, Early Crocus, Dandelion.
Fungi: a small selection of winter fungi on show – Purple Jellydisc, Birch Woodwart, Candlesnuff Fungus, Silverleaf Fungus, Wet Rot, King Alfred’s Cakes, Dead Man’s Fingers, Hazel Woodwart, Witches’ Butter, Yellow Brain, Jelly Ear, Dead Moll’s Fingers, Crystal Brain, Willow Bark-spot, Jelly Rot, Bitter Oysterling, Common Bonnet, Velvet shank.
Butterflies: Red Admiral (early Feb)
Reptiles: 4 Common Lizards by WWF hide (Feb 17th)
