Recent sightings 25th September-1st October
Highlights: Bar-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Curlew sandpiper, flocks of wintering ducks
British Steel Hide & Grounds
Notable sightings from the marsh scrapes this week include several bar-tailed godwit and spotted redshank. A sparrowhawk has also been spotted above the saline marsh. Wildfowl numbers continue to increase as winter draws nearer, gadwall, teal, mallard and tufted duck are some examples. The moulting season, also commonly known as eclipse, is ending for many of these wildfowl species, making them easier to spot and differentiate.
Habitat creation work around the freshwater lagoon has also encouraged more wading species onto the grounds, such as multiple instances of ruff and curlew sandpipers. There has never been a better time to catch a glimpse of these elusive waders close up.
Millennium Wetlands
Swallows and swifts are still in good numbers before they start there migration back to Africa, now may be the last chance to see them. Kingfishers are often a frequent sight at the Peter Scott hide, those lucky enough to see one may catch one perched one of the branches right in front of the hide.
A total of 74 little egret were also spotted this week along the shores and roosting in the trees around deepwater lake, hiding from the pouring rain, which goes to show that poor weather conditions don't always mean poor birding conditions.
Large numbers of dragonflies, such as common darters and hawkers, are still seen around the reserve, but may not be around for much longer as the temperature drops!
