Recent Sightings (12th-15th May)

Russ Myners

 

Millennium Wetlands

Lots of activity around the reserve over the past few days. Song birds include 15 Whitethroat, 16 Chiffchaff, 11 Blackcap, 17 Sedge Warbler a d 6 Reed Warbler. There has also been 2 Lesser Whitethroat. More species include Bullfinch (2), Goldfinch (6), Song Thrush (5), Jay (3), Great Spotted Woodpecker (2) and a Green Woodpecker, which can be heard doing its yaffle (which sounds like laughter!) around the Peter Scott Hide.

On the water a count of 314 Black-tailed Godwits can be seen on Deep Water Lake. These birds are on passage to summer grounds in Iceland and mainland Europe. Ducks include 7 Pochard, 7 Tufted Duck, 3 Gadwall, 4 Shelduck, 4 Canada Goose and 3 Little Grebe. Also there are around 6 Lapwing and overhead sites can include Swallows, Sand Martins and Swifts.

 

Other wildlife

There has been sightings of one grass snake (immature) and 3 Slow Worms. Also look out for the Green-veined White butterfly which is similar to the Large White, but the under parts do show of green veins! Other butterflies include Speckled Wood and Peacock. Dragonflies are whizzing around the ditches and ponds on the reserve. A great place to see them are around the Northern Loop, with sightings of Hairy dragonflies and Common Blue Damselflies, as well as species of Hawker on the wing.

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