First I must apologise for the 10 days it’s taken me to update the sightings, with various events on and staff on holiday it hasn’t always been possible. Anyway a little round up on wh [...]
First I must apologise for the 10 days it’s taken me to update the sightings, with various events on and staff on holiday it hasn’t always been possible.
Anyway a little round up on what has been going on recently. On Friday we hosted the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust Wild Goose Chase team. The team consisting of Reserve Warden James Lees and Reserve Volunteer Joe Bilous were looking to see 14 species or sub-species of goose in just four days! After leaving Slimbridge on Wednesday morning they spend a day and a half trying to see geese at Martin Mere before heading up here. More on this quest can be found http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/wild-goose-chase/
Friday started with a bang not just for the goose chase but also on the reserve with the Ross’s Goose and a Todds Canada Goose being seen in with the Barnacle Goose flocks.
Record Shot of Ross's Goose and Todd's Canada Goose from Avenue Tower, M.Youdale © Copyright 2011
The Todd’s Canada Goose is actually a new bird for the reserve and it shows really well so come on down to have a look.
Elsewhere on the reserve Whooper Swan numbers remain good with nearly 300 birds coming in for the feeds on the Whooper Pond. Also on the pond good numbers of Wigeon, remain with around sixty Tufted Duck and small numbers of Teal and Shoveler. The Oystercatcher pair also seem to be happy their and setting up the small island as potentially their breeding site this year.
On the Folly Pond a single pair of Shelduck have been hanging around recently and also a pair of Oystercatcher have been setting up territory. Teal and Wigeon numbers remain fair with count of up to 700 of each. Good number of Redshank have also been present with counts of up to 50 birds. Curlew and Lapwing also are of good number on the Folly Field busy feeding away.
Smaller birds such as Brambling are still present on the feeders and good numbers of Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow and Long-tailed Tits. Birds are now starting to sing and if you head on down the Saltcot Merse Observatory the Skylarks are coming into full voice.
Badger Cam
Dont miss our live Badger Webcam!! During the day the camera points out onto the Folly Pond, then come 5pm, the camera is moved so you can watch our badgers feeding. Last night a fox and badgers came out. the link is http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/webcams/caerlaverock-badgers/
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Rare Bird Alert
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