Recent Sightings - 30th March 2020
In absence of visitors, birds are starting to use the reserve in different ways. Many species are utilising spaces closer to paths and in areas they aren't usually seen; Black-tail Godwits are feeding next to paths and have been seen in the Brickworks. Black-headed gulls are displaying closer to public areas. Herons are sheltering from the hot sun underneath the bridges. Nature, as always, whenever there is an open niche, will look to fill it.
Overall, Black-headed Gull numbers are on the increase and are starting to establish territories; bringing with them their well known cacophony of noise. Among the Gulls, Mediterranean Gulls have been observed displaying! (Check out our video on the facebook page) On the Main lake, a beautiful Male Goldeneye has been seen courting a female.
In the woodlands, spring has arrived. Chiffchaff can be heard singing and even squabbling with some resident Great Tits. We will keep our ears open, in anticipation for the arrival of other distant migrants. It won't be long before Black-caps and Willow Warblers with be joining the woodland dawn chorus.
Whilst doing our esstential checks and mainentance, we will endeavour to keep you updated with the wildlife on our nature reserve.
Count from Monday morning, 30/3/2020
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Brent Geese 37, Shelduck 30, Redshank 3, Curlew 1, Black-headed Gull 26, Little Egret 1
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Mallard 14, Tufted duck 5, Teal 12, Goldeneye 2, Gadwall 2, Little Grebe 2, Coot 2, Black-headed Gull 113
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Mallard 5, Shelduck 3, Teal 2, Greylag goose 2, Black-headed Gull 114, Sparrowhawk 1
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Black-tailed godwit 3, Greenshank 1, Black-headed Gull 10, Moorhen 2
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannog
Mallard 6, Black-tailed Godwit 1, Coot 2, Moorhen 6, Black-headed Gulls 285
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Black-headed Gull 45
Brickworks
Jackdaw 3, Black-tailed Godwit 1
Peninsula Field and Marsh
Black-headed Gulls 1, Black-tailed Godwit 4
Woodland
Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Woodpigeon, Magpie
