Latest Sightings
Yesterday morning, our reserve team conducted our monthly Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS). WeBS helps us to monitor internationally important wetland species and determine trends in their population and distribution. Below is a list of species and quantities we found across our site throughout the morning:
Gadwall 27
Teal 8
Mallard 545
Shoveler 11
Pochard 4
Tufted Duck 36
Whooper Swan 2
Shelduck 58
Greylag Goose 124
Canada Goose 145
Pink-footed Goose 3
Barnacle Goose 1
Moorhen 73
Coot 51
Mandarin Duck 1
Lapwing 23
Oystercatcher 5
Avocet 26
Great crested grebe 4
Cormorant 2
Grey Heron 2
Great White Egret 1
Little Egret 1
Cattle Egret 7
Black-headed gull 925
Mediterranean Gull 6
Med x Black-headed gull hybrid 1
Common Tern 1
Barn Owl 2
Marsh Harrier 1
Redshank 2
In addition to our WeBS count, there is lots of Bittern action across the reedbed, with booming males being heard on a regular basis. On Saturday a Whimbrel was reported overlooking Woodend Marsh from Rees hide. A Dunlin and 2 Redshanks were also seen on the same body of water, best viewed from Gordon Taylor hide. On the same day a Curlew was seen flying over the reedbed walk.
From the latter walk, you can expect the sound and site of several species of Warblers. With Sedge, Cetti and Reed Warblers often being reported. While on the nature trail towards Ron Barker hide, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs are frequently seen.
Image of a Bittern.
