Recent Sightings 25th March 2024

25 March 2024

The tide was just coming up to the Brent Hide late this morning, bringing with it groups of Black-tailed godwit, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Brent geese. A few Dunlin and Grey plover were dotted about amongst the other waders, feeding on the mudflats despite the wind and rain. Black-headed gull numbers are steadily rising as the birds prepare for breeding season and start scoping out nesting sites around the Reserve.

Meadow pipits are starting to display around the Reserve, mainly seen near the Brickworks area and out on the Peninsula Field. They perform these mating, parachuting, aerial displays in spring time and can be seen fluttering down from the sky.

The first Chiffchaff of the year was also heard singing last week on the Brickworks, a sure sign that Spring is underway!

Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory

Oystercatcher 64, Redshank 40, Curlew 1, Greenshank 3, Light-bellied brent goose 68, Common gull 4, Black-tailed godwit 25, Dunlin 6, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Grey plover 3, Shelduck 12, Eider 14, Herring gull 7, Black-headed gull 121

Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Teal 14, Mallard 13, Little grebe 1, Little egret 1, Gadwall 3, Moorhen 3, Coot 1, Tufted duck 9, Herring gull 1, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Mute swan 1, Wood pigeon, Robin, Long-tailed tit, Blue tit, Great tit, Wren

Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Teal 3, Cormorant 1

Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide

Spotted redshank 1, Greenshank 4, Redshank 7, Little egret 1, Teal 2, Black-tailed godwit 3, Moorhen 5, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Shelduck 2

Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg

Mallard 9, Moorhen 7, Teal 2

Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory

Black-headed gull 1, Redshank 1, Mallard 1, Teal 4, Meadow pipit 2

Peninsula Saltmarsh

Shelduck 1, Greenshank 1, Redshank 1, Teal 2

Peninsula Field

Hooded crow 1