Recent Sightings 11th-16th June
Highlights: Lapwing Chicks, Marsh Harrier, Little Grebe Chicks, Cinnabar Moths
Millennium Wetlands
A Marsh Harrier was seen on both Wednesday and Thursday getting mobbed by the Black-headed Gulls over on Deep Water Lake, who were defending the colony. Little Grebe Chicks have been sighted this week on Deep Water Lake, with the parents carrying them on their backs for protection. Cinnabar moths are beginning to emerge across the reserve this week, a day flying moth named after the red mineral Cinnabar which is an ore of the metal mercury. To identify them look for two red strips, and two red spots on the black forewings, and hindwings that are red bordered with black.
Freshwater Lagoon
The Little Ringed Plovers are continuing to sit on the nest, the reserve team are keeping a close eye on them, they shouldn't be far off hatching now. Other birds here include: Black-tailed Godwits, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck and Shelduck; in the collection ponds Shelduck Chicks are beginning to emerge.
Saltmarsh and Dafen Scrapes
Two Lapwing chicks have been spotted feeding on the muddy banks of the small Saline Lagoon whilst the parents chase off any potential predators, they are best seen from the Michael Powell Hide. The male Wigeon can still be seen on Dafen Scrapes, in amongst the Gadwall; whilst juvenile Starlings are continuing to feed across the Scrapes and Saltmarsh; and a female Tufted Duck is sitting on a nest on one of the tern rafts.
