Recent sightings - 16th August
The following sightings were recorded today by Toni Castello, warden, at low tide.
Limekiln observatory
A Long-eared owl was perching like a sort of guardian in front of our observatory this morning. A nice sighting for a species which is regular for us, but extremely hard to spot.
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Mallard +120, Tufted duck 14, Coot 1, Greylag 2, Grey heron 1.
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Black-headed gull 1.
Freshwater lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannog
Mute swan 6, Mallard 7.
These swallows, which were nesting inside the Crannog, just fledged yesterday in the afternoon. This seems to be the third brood for this pair this year, which suggest that the parents are very healthy and powerful. Given that we are now in quite late dates for raising young birds, now all the family will face the challenge of getting ready for their big trip on time. This trip will bring them places as far as South Africa or the Indian subcontinent. A reason good enough to feed voraciously!!
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Mallard 7, Little grebe 2, Little egret 1, Black-headed gull 1.
Estuary – visible from Brent hide and Limekiln observatory
Black-headed gull +150,Oystercatcher +150, Black-tailed godwit 13, Little egret 1, Mute swan 1.
Limestone Lake - visible from the woodland lookout
Tufted duck 1. A first post-breeding sighting of one Common teal, a species which was absent since winter.
