Recent Sightings 30 Oct - 3 Nov

Highlights: Spoonbills, Ruff, Green Sandpiper, Merlin, Otter

Saline Lagoon and Dafen Scrapes:

This week we have recorded increasing numbers of Spoonbill on the Saline lagoon with a Week high of 14 on 03/11, and on the weekend we have had several reports of a Merlin visiting the areas around the British steel Hide. 61 Lapwing were also seen 03/11 and a Green sandpiper made a visit to the lagoon on Sunday (29/10), keep an eye out for their distinctive tail bobbing as one of the first signs that differentiates them from other wader.

On the Dafen scrapes there have been large numbers of Wigeon (03/11) grazing on the banks of the ponds, in the water several Shoveler ducks (03/11) were seen to be throughout the Dafen Scrapes. Small numbers of Black-tailed Godwits have been regular visitors to the western side of the Dafen Scrapes and keeping them Company have been a couple of Ruff (03/11).

Millennium Wetlands:

This week on the reserve the Deep water lake in front of the Sir Peter Scott hide and Herons wing hide has played host to Gadwalls, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal and Tufted ducks as well as frequent sightings of the elusive Snipe throughout the week. Early on Thursday (02/11) an Otter was also seen hunting for fish in front of the Herons wing Hide. Sightings of the Sparrow Hawk continue on the Southern loop particularly near the pathway between Vole City and Hopkins Folly.

Our Volunteers Braved the windy and rainy weather on Wednesday to trim and Collect willow for the upcoming Willow wreath making workshops, so a big thank you to them for their hard work!

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