Weekend Sightings
Sighting from the weekend...
Continuing the wader theme with Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 15+ Ruff, 100+ Black-tailed Godwit, 200+ Lapwing, 2 Avocet, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Oystercatcher, 10 Dunlin, Redshank and Snipe.
Raptors included Hobby (adult on Saturday), Marsh Harrier, 4 Kestrel, 3+ Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. Barn Owl day flying on Saturday.
Plenty of fledgeling activity with great views of Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail and Swallows from the Discovery Hide. Sand Martin and House Martin feeding over the Mere in overcast conditions.
Some continued evidence of warbler movements when a juvenile Willow Warbler turned up on 'in focus island' following recent additions to the island list of Whitethroat and Chiffchaff. The island list, started in August 2015 is now on 38 species!
The juvenile Cuckoo was seen near the start of the outer Reed Bed Walk. Sedge and Reed Warbler to be had along there too.
Kingfisher(s) seen in a few place around the reserve. At least 2 Little Egret and 7+ Grey Heron. At least 6 Common Tern regularly seen. Tree Sparrows along the Nature Trail. Goldcrest in the Pines opposite the Raines Observatory. Great-crested and Little Grebes from the Harrier Hide. A few immature Great Black-backed Gull present late afternoon on Sunday.
With full days birding it should be able to top 70 species of wild bird.
If you see anything do call in to the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide to report the sightings. We can also also point you in the right direction and have a full list of birds present in the area.
