Recent Sightings - 11th May
The following sightings were recorded by Pete Matchett, Reserve Warden
The second breeding bird survey of the year was carried out on Friday the 8th. This revealed to us which migratory species are holding territories and breeding on site this season. Species such as Blackcap, Mistle Thrush, Linnet and Chiffchaff have all been recorded in the same locations over both surveys so from this we can assume that they are in fact breeding on site. Other species such as Willow Warbler were recorded on the first survey but not the second however this does not mean they aren’t breeding on site as they have been heard at other times. With the likes of Sedge Warbler, who had been heard on the first but not the second, it is more likely that they have passed through as the past indicates that they do not generally breed on site.
Our two resident Mute Swans appear to be quite keen on nesting on site. They have been spotted practicing nest building together over the past month on several different locations around most of our lakes. Hopefully they can make their minds up and get settled somewhere soon!
Ringed Plover have nested on the Peninsula Saltmarsh again, as they have done for the past few years. Currently we have 2 pairs on nests. With an incubation period of 16-18 days we can expect to see some chicks within the next week.
Black Headed Gull numbers are sitting at around 900 in total and nesting has certainly begun. Most of them have been incubating their eggs for just over a week now so it will be around another 14-18 days before we see any of the chicks. Unfortunately with last weekend’s heavy rain came a rise in water levels around the reserve and this cause a lot of nests to be washed away. However this is only a minor setback for them as a high percentage of them will construct another nest and lay a second clutch.
Main lake – visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Black Headed Gull 440
Gadwall 8
Mute Swan 2
Tufty 28
Little grebe 2
Swallows 30
Coot 2
Greylag 4
Lesser Black Backed Gull 2
Shelduck 8
Freshwater lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannog
Black Headed Gull 390
Coot 2
Tufty 12
Gadwall 5
Mute Swan 2
Wader marsh - visible from Wader marsh lookout
Black Tailed Godwit 450
Curlew 1
Knot 10
Shelduck 8
Saline lagoon – visible from Saline lagoon lookout
Black Headed Gull 190
Gadwall 2
Oystercatcher 9
Limestone lake – visible from Limestone pavilion
Mute Swan 2
Little Grebe 4
Cormorant 1
Tufty 6
