Recent Sightings 23rd-29th April
Highlights: Black-winged Stilt, Little Gull, Sedge Warbler, Lapwing chicks, Whimbrel
Millennium Wetlands
The highlight of the week was by far 3 Black-winged Stilts feeding on the Western Scrapes. They stuck around all day giving some very lucky visitors a chance to photograph these birds. The first record of this species was last year, so this sighting is definitely a special one!
Another exciting spot for us this week was 2 Lapwing chicks seen in the same area on Wednesday. We hope that more will breed on site this year.
Sedge Warblers can now be heard singing across the reserve, joining the chorus of Reed Warblers and Whitethroats. In addition, House Martins have joined Swallows and Sand Martins as they fly around the reserve. Other notable species include a male Garganey seen on Wednesday, a Marsh Harrier seen on Tuesday, and a singing Willow Tit heard on Thursday.
The first Otter sighting in a while took place from the Heron's Wing Hide on Monday. We think this one was an adult male.
British Steel Hide
Out on the Marsh Scrapes, a Wheatear has been spotted, along with a Kingfisher, and 2 Spoonbills feeding. The usual waders are showing their summer plumage with a Dunlin showing its darker back and black belly patch.
The WEBS survey this week found 44 Knot, 5 Curlew, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, and 13 Whimbrel, to name a few.
Freshwater Lagoon
A Little Gull was putting on a show for visitors to the freshwater lagoon, where it has been residing this week. Looking similar to a Black-headed Gull, but about 2/3 of the size, the Little Gull resembles a Swallow when feeding, swopping across the water to pick up its invertebrate prey.
The Long-tailed Duck has moved here this week, where it was seen on Sunday morning. A Peregrine Falcon was also seen here on Monday, and the Common Sandpiper was last seen on Tuesday.
Signs of spring continue to be seen around the site, with goslings and ducklings popping up everywhere! The dawn chorus is lovely to hear in the morning around the reserve and you can come and hear it yourself on Sunday 7th May at our Dawn Chorus event!
