Recent Sightings 15th - 21st January
Glossy Ibis, Kestrel, Bullfinches, Black Headed Gulls
As sightings of Glossy Ibis' have been coming in from across the UK and more locally across South Wales, it was only a matter of time until one decided to stop by for a browse and a preen. Sure enough, visitors in the hides overlooking the Deep Water Lake spotted a singular Glossy Ibis this week (20/1) moving around the main island looking for food.
These birds truly are a treat to see and this is mainly because they're so nomadic. The Glossy Ibis has breeding populations across the world in the warm climates of Africa, Australia, Asia, and even recently in Southern Spain. After breeding the Ibis disperse across some large distances and it is thought that the birds in the UK at the moment are from the breeding populations of Southern Spain coming here to winter.
These birds are extremely flighty too, as they have no difficulty with moving elsewhere to feed if they're disturbed.
It is with no doubt that catching a glimpse of this wonderful bird invokes feelings of warm plains coupled with cooling bodies of water, a welcome thought during these colder weeks, so hopefully we'll be able to see more of these birds as they're passing by on their travels.
Looking to our residents, the Bullfinches here have been extremely active this past week feeding around the path between the Heron's Wing Hide and Peter Scott Hide, and even outside of the cafe window on one instance. Every sighting of these fantastic birds is a welcome one, as you're often met with a flash of red and a lining of white as they flit from bush to bush in search of food. While the red on the males is the main identification point, both the male and female have a black head with a strong thick neck and beak with a white patch around the tail feathers.
They've a lovely melancholic whistle, making a "phew" sound, that is a real treat for the senses.
While the grounds exhibit our fantastic collection birds, up in the trees we've seen a female kestrel this week that has no doubt also been spotted out and around hunting on the reserve in the previous weeks. Artists in their craft at hovering in flight, they're great to watch as they balance on the tree against a light breeze.
This was a female kestrel in particular, who have a light brown coat and black patterning, topping it off with a brown cap and a black moustache. When they balance, their tail feathers flare outwards showing a beautiful black banding. After looking down the tree for prey, she took flight and perched elsewhere in search of food.
The Freshwater lagoon has had a flock of 10 Spoonbills in flight overhead which is extremely promising for the future of the lagoon as it is likely they may come to feed in the future, and also today we spotted around 20+ Black-headed gulls who will hopefully in the summer choose to nest nearby. Only time will tell how the Freshwater Lagoon will come to develop, and who will make it home.
To finish off this week, we've had high numbers of Lapwing and Godwit, along with consistent numbers of Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Gadwall, Little Egrets, Cetti's Warbler, Shelduck, Heron, and Snipe.
