Recent Sightings (30th-3rd July)
Millennium Wetlands
A family of Lesser Whitethroat and Great Spotted Woodpecker were seen on the 2nd, along with several juvenile Reed Warbler, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Treecreeper and Blackcap on the 3rd. Official counts include 9 Goldfinch, 5 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 2 Bullfinch. In the Reed beds listen to the Water Rail chicks calling for food.
On the water, 16 Cormorant, 13 Shelduck, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 33 Mallard, 22 Gadwall, 2 Grey Heron and a Little Egret have been seen along with 493 Black-Tailed Godwit. Furthermore, a Mediterranean Gull and 49 Black Headed Gull chicks have been counted on the stony islands in front of the Peter Scott Hide. A Curlew flew over the reserve on 2nd and a Kingfisher was also seen in the Reed bed area.
British Steel Hide
Over the weekend reports of 2 male Ruff were made. On the 3rd a Little Ringed Plover made an appearance, as well as a Ruff and a report of a Green Sandpiper. Forty-three Lapwing were on the NRA Scrapes, as well as a Shoveler and 18 Teal, a Mute Swan, 6 Shelduck and a Black-Tailed Godwit.
Other Wildlife
Out on the reserve near the Reed beds 2 Weasels were spotted! We have also seen recently butterflies including Painted Lady, Comma, Large Skipper, Red Admiral and Small Copper. Look out for the Small Red Eyed Damselfly, Four Spotted Chaser, Emperor Dragonfly and Blue-Tailed Damselfly. Hot weather makes reptiles on site really active, look out for basking Grass Snakes and Common Lizards.
