Recent sightings - 20th April
The following sightings were recorded today by Toni Castello, warden, near high tide. Many wildfowl females (such as Mallard and Tufted)are not very visible at the moment, as they must be already incubating. On the other hand, songbirds (Robin, Blackcap, Chaffinch, ...) are showing an intense singing activity in the mornings, providing us with a very cheerful soundtrack. The results of all this seem to be promising, and we are impatient for watching the signs of new life in the forthcoming weeks.
Estuary
Some wintering birds are still around, just waiting for the proper moment to start the big move towards their breeding grounds: Black-tailed godwit 170, Oystercatcher 50, Redshank 15, Brent geese 30, Black-headed gull 200, Rock pipit 1.
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Tufted duck 10, Mallard 44, Cormorant 1, Moorhen 1, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Pintail 1, Coot 2, Common Teal 2, Greylag 1, Black-headed gull 30, Gadwall 2, Shelduck 3, Mute swan 2, Little grebe 1.
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Shelduck 2, Redshank 1, Black-headed gull 17, Robin 1, Song thrush 1, Wren 1.
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannog
Coot 1, Moorhen 1, Black-headed gull 271, Mallard 5, Tufted 8, Gadwall 1.
Saline Lagoon - visible from the Saline Lagoon lookout and Limekiln observatory
Little egret 1, Cormorant 1, Gadwall 1, Redshank 1, Mallard 2, Tufted 2, Black-headed gull 26.
Peninsula Marsh - visible from the Limekiln observatory and the Peninsula Marsh lookout
Greylag 1, Redshank 3, Reed bunting 2, Black-headed gull 2, Gadwall 1.
Limestone lake - visible from the Limestone Pavilion and upper woodland lookout
Mallard 4, Cormorant 1, Tufted 2, Little Grebe 3, Moorhen 1.
Brickworks
Chaffinch 1, Wren 1, Blue tit 1, Dunnock 2, Goldfinch 1, Black bird 1, Linnet 4, Coal tit 1.
Woodland
Robin 6, Chaffinch 5, Wren 8, Goldfinch 2, Wood pigeon 10, Goldcrest 2, Great tit 3, Black cap 1, Dunnock 1, Blue tit 5, Black bird 2, Bullfinch 4.
Sensory Garden
Great tit 1, Blue tit 3, Black bird 1, Chaffinch 1, Wren 1, Wood pigeon 3.