Recent Sightings 4th July 2022
The Woodland was dominated by the unmistakable and powerful calls of two Buzzards this morning. These large birds of prey feed on small birds, mammals and carrion – occasionally insects. They were a species in decline due to poisoning and persecution but they have made a very successful return to the UK. They can be spotted flying over the Woodland, through the trees down at the Swamp or, if you’re lucky, perched on fence posts at the Peninsular Saltmarsh!
Some other of our favourite visitors were also out and about today, including the Kingfisher and a Common tern, both doing what they do best – fishing! Keep an eye out for them over the Limestone Lake and the Saline Lagoon, skillfully diving for fish and eels. Swallow chicks are also a very welcome new arrival in the Roundhouse at Freshwater Lagoon. Swallows will often re-use old nests, and you can watch both parents catching insects for them on the wing over the crannóg.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Little egret 2, Mallard 2, Hooded crow 2, Black-headed gull 52, Lesser black-backed gull 9, Curlew 5, Oystercatcher 2. Shelduck 7, Greater black-backed gull 1, Herring gull 16, Black-tailed godwit 1, Cormorant 1, Grey heron 1, Common seals 10
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 44 (5 ducklings), Mute swan 2, Moorhen 2 (1 chick)
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Shelduck 2 (5 ducklings), Jackdaw 23, Black-headed gull 51, Greylag goose 4
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Black-headed gull 42
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 8, Moorhen 2, Mute swan 2, Gadwall 1 (3 ducklings), Swallow 1 (4 chicks)
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Common tern 1, Shelduck 2 (2 ducklings)
Brickworks
Jackdaw 2
Limestone Lake
Wood pigeon 2, Mallard 1, Kingfisher 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Hooded crow 3, Pied wagtail 2, Meadow pipit 4
Peninsula Field
Swallow 2, House martin 1, Blackbird 1
Woodland
Buzzard, Wood pigeon, Goldcrest, Wren, Dunnock, Blue tit, Hooded crow, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Coal tit, Robin, Blackbird, Magpie
