Recent Sightings 25th June - 2nd July
Highlights: Little Ringed Plover chicks, Marsh Harrier, Juvenile Kingfishers, Southern Hawker, Wheatear
Millennium Wetlands
Juvenile birds are popping up across the reserve this week, with Deep Water Lake hosting 2 broods of Little Grebe chicks and 2 juvenile Cormorants. Also, 2 juvenile Kingfishers were spotted on the newly installed perches in front of the Peter Scott hide. They can be told from adults by their sooty feet, duller overall colour, and paler underparts. A Marsh Harrier was also seen over the lake, although it didn't cause the usual chaos as the Black-headed Gulls have vacated the stony islands. Swallows, Sand Martins, House Martins, and Swifts continue to be seen around the reserve.
The butterfly survey this week was a busy one! 63 were recorded in total, with over half being Meadow Brown. Other species seen include Ringlet, Small Tortoiseshell, and Large Skipper. A Southern Hawker dragonfly has also been seen.
Freshwater Lagoon
Last Saturday, the Little Ringed Plovers finally hatched 2 chicks. They can be seen feeding and sprinting around under the watchful eye of both parents, although to spot them you will need patience - as they are tiny! They join juvenile Moorhen also on the Lagoon.
British Steel Hide
We are (quietly) hoping for a dream combination of tide and wind to fill up the Saline Lagoons this coming week. Species seen this week include Redshank (and 1 juvenile), Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, and the Lapwing chick. On Wednesday, a male Wheatear was seen from the Michael Powell hide.
On Dafen Scrapes, another Lapwing chick has been seen as well as 3 Tufted Ducklings.
