Recent Sightings 11th - 18th February
Highlights - Yellow-legged Gull, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Ruff, Willow Tits and Otter family.
British Steel Hide
A 1st winter Yellow-Legged Gull was seen on the Saline Lagoons along with plenty of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. A Ruff has been seen mingling in with both the Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwit flock on the Dafen Scrapes and Saline Lagoons. The Long-tailed Duck continues to stay on the Dafen Scrapes and was briefly joined by a female Goldeneye. A Hen Harrier was seen briefly hunting out over the saltmarsh, the first sighting for a while. Both Spoonbills and Spotted Redshanks are still being seen along with the regular wading birds.
Millennium Wetlands
The Otter family continue to show sporadically around the Deep Water Lake area, the pond in front of the Herons Wing Hide being a hotspot for activity. A Marsh Harrier flew over Deep Water Lake heading out towards the estuary. On its way it flush at least 60 Snipe, a good count for the site. A pair of Willow Tits continue to visit the feeder set up along the Northern Loop. Three Lesser Redpolls have been seen on the Willowherb seed heads between the Herons Wing and Sir Peter Scott Hides. A displaying Lapwing, as well as Brimstone and Red Admirals are sure signs that Spring is just around the corner. A moth trap was run on the night of the 17th and five species were caught. They were, Oak Beauty, Pale Brindled Beauty, Clouded Drab, Dotted Border and Hebrew Character.
