Recent Sightings 26th November - 1st December
Highlights: Barnacle Geese, Kingfisher, Great Crested Grebe, Peregrine, Common Gull, Stoat
This week's count on the Saline Lagoon gave us sightings of Greenshank, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Shelduck, and Dunlin, to name a few. There were also delightful sightings of 2 Barnacle Geese on the saltmarsh and 2 Kingfishers, which we haven't seen for a while. Out on the estuary, the team could see a Great Crested Grebe. in the winter, they are less colourful than in summer, but can still be distinguished by their slightly thick, long beak, small head tuft, dark back, and pale creamy underside and neck.
This week, Deep Water Lake has seen some exciting birds of prey, with a Peregrine seen hunting on Monday, and a Sparrowhawk spotted on Tuesday. The water level here has increased, meaning more ducks have been seen in the area, such as Pochard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, and Gadwall.
The stone islands in front of the Peter Scott Hide are becoming one of the reserve team's favourite place to spot Snipe, with 21 being seen on Monday. Having just rained, it was easier than usual to see them because they were preening.
The Freshwater Lagoon has been quiet this week, however a Common Gull was seen on Monday swimming in front of the Boardwalk Hide.
The wet weather has made the paths muddier, meaning more tracks have been seen. A notable track spotted on Tuesday was a Stoat! On your next visit, be sure to look out for tracks and other signs of wildlife; get a photo and our team will be more than happy to help you identify what you've seen!
On Wednesday morning, the staff and volunteers came together to make and decorate willow wreaths using materials from around the reserve and grounds. We used pine needles, pine cones, ivy, holly, pampas grass, reed flowers, berries and other natural materials to bring Christmas cheer!
