Recent Sightings 13th March 2023
Goldeneye (pictured) were out on the Estuary this morning, with their iridescent head plumage shining in the sunshine in between the bouts of torrential rain! They are a diving duck, making their numbers tricky to count as they disappear out of sight hunting for aquatic invertebrates, small fish and amphibians.
Black-headed gull numbers are still on the rise and Black-tailed godwits are starting to gather in larger numbers to feed on the mudflats. Their long, sturdy beaks are perfect for probing the wet, sandy ground for food. In the spring and summer months, these elegant waders sport a bright, rusty orange breast and head.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Curlew 6, Black-headed gull 96, Black-tailed godwit 93, Shelduck 56, Wigeon 60, Oystercatcher 153, Knot 2, Light-bellied brent goose 37, Golden plover ~200, Redshank 8, Greenshank 2, Herring gull 2, Lesser black-backed gull 1, Greater black-backed gull 1, Hooded crow 1, Goldeneye 8
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Teal 26, Mallard 29, Gadwall 2, Tufted duck 18
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Grey heron 1, Jackdaw 2, Moorhen 3, Mallard 6, Teal 34, Gadwall 13
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Moorhen 4, Gadwall 6, Teal 22, Black-tailed godwit 1
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Moorhen 3, Teal 3, Mallard 5
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Little grebe 1, Mallard 1, Redshank 1
Brickworks
Jackdaw 5
Woodland
Goldcrest, Blackbird, Robin, Great tit, Song thrush, Magpie, Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Wood pigeon, Wren
