News
Quick update Tuesday Sept 27th
A rather dreich day so far with relatively poor visibility; should clear a bit later. No additions to the 36 Barnacles yet, making this one of the later arrival years; likewise Whoopers are yet to show but could be any time soon. Folly Pond still producin
27 September 2016
Marsh harrier with tags spotted
Marsh harrier being tagged by Hawk & Owl Trust by Andy Thompson Marsh harriers are seen regularly on our reserve as their favourite hunting grounds are wetlands and reedbeds. A closer look at this individual revea
27 September 2016
Wildlife sightings for 27th September 2016
1 Pintail - Main Lake 15 Snipe - Grazing Marsh 4 Chiffchaff - South Route, Sheltered Lagoon 2 Peregrine - Over river and perched on hospital ledge 1 Hobby - Over Main Lake 1 Jack Snipe - Grazing Marsh September bird highlights: Whinchat, Wheatear
27 September 2016
Recent sightings - 26th September
The following sightings were recorded today by Toni Castello, warden, near high tide. Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre Mallard 70, Tufted duck 7, Coot 3, Gadwall 5. Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent H
26 September 2016
Today's Highlights
Kingfisher on pond by café is becoming a regular visitor Ruff-20 Reed bunting Pied wagtail Goldfinch Kestrel Green woodpecker Dunlin Ringed plover Wigeon Teal Shoveler Gadwall Cormorant Whooper swan and cygnets Buzzard Marsh harriers with green wing tags
26 September 2016
Some counts
A murky day with rain early on. Just c5000 Pink-footed Geese roosting on the reserve this morning. Many birds fly off early on to return early afternoon onwards. We are predicting a big influx of geese for this coming weekend, so watch this space! Wildfow
26 September 2016
Spoonbill reported...
Spotted Crake It wasn't seen on a ten minute look at 0845hrs, no subsequent reports from visitors to 1400hrs at least though it may still be present and unreported. Zeiss Hide A Spoonbill was reported to visitor centre staff at lunchtime. Other birds note
26 September 2016
Wildlife sightings for 26th September 2016
1 Whitethroat - wildside 2 Yellow Wagtail - flew S 8 Meadow Pipit - flew SW 2 Willow Warbler - wildside 7 Chiffchaff - mostly in wildside, also sheltered lagoon 62 Wigeon - main lake September bird highlights: Whinchat, Wheatear, Stonechat, Pintail, King
26 September 2016
Recent Sightings
Turtle Dove cr. James Lees Car Park Turtle Dove 1 British Steel Hide Greenshank 34 Redshank 97 Spotted Redshank 1 Black-tailed Godwit 67 Lapwing 38 Curlew Sandpiper 2 Knot 61 Ruff 1 Pochard 2 Cormorant
26 September 2016
Today's Highlights
Kingfisher on pond below cafe Wigeon-lots of new arrivals Teal Ruff Snipe Black-tailed godwit Pintail Moorhen Heron Merlin Marsh harrier Kestrel Hobby
25 September 2016
Sleepy caterpillars
Privet hawk-moth caterpillar At the end of September, keep your eyes peeled for large caterpillars searching for somewhere to spend the winter. This privet hawk-moth caterpillar crawled into the visitor centre earli
25 September 2016
Autumnal...
Overnight showers and cooler air had given the reserve a more autumnal feel, this is reflected by the increase in wildfowl and seeing the small passerines, tits, warblers, Treecreeper, Goldcrest etc flocking together. Spotted Crake The juvenile continues
25 September 2016
Wildlife sightings for 25th September 2016
3 Snipe - grazing marsh 1 Coal Tit - South route feeders 1 Peregrine - hunting over the court yard 1 Hobby - grazing marsh September bird highlights: Whinchat, Wheatear, Stonechat, Pintail, Kingfisher, Buzzard, Water Rail, Peregrine, Grey Plover, Snipe
25 September 2016
C.15,000 Pink-footed Geese
A brief update. The numbers of Pink-footed Geese are continuing to build up with around 15,000 in the area. If the forecast is anything to go by, some high pressure over Iceland mid week could produce and even bigger count next weekend. Some excellent vie
24 September 2016
Today's Highlights
Kingfisher-pool by cafe Ruff-20 Wigeon Teal Heron Cormorant Little egret Ringed plover-2 Dunlin-4 Pintail-male in eclipse plumage Little grebe Shelduck Marsh harrier Buzzard Merlin Cranes-2
24 September 2016