Recent Sightings (7th-9th Jan)
British Steel Hide
Three Red Kites have been over the reserve this week, other raptors include a Sparrowhawk and 2 Buzzards. On the Wildfowl front, there were counts of 20 Greylag Geese, 112 Wigeon, 13 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 6 Pochard and 3 Teal. There was also a sighting of a Great White Egret and 2 Spoonbills. Waders included 205 Black-tailed Godwits, 93 Lapwing, 21 Curlew, 4 Knot, 46 Dunlin, 6 Greenshank and 6 Redshank.
Millenium Wetlands
On Deep Water Lake, 12 Snipe could be seen within the rocky outcrops and vegetation. There was also 59 Shelduck and 62 Black-tailed Godwit using the area. The Ring Necked Duck which has been using the reserve was temporarily on the waters in front of the Peter Scott Hide this week. Seven Pochard, 21 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, and 11 Coot, 10 Gadwall and a Little Grebe were also using this area. Other birds include 2 Jays, Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal tit and a flock of Long-tailed tits (c.20) and Chaffinches (c.30) using the bird feeders.
There have been several otter sightings this week with the most recent being on 8th January, on the same day a Water Vole was seen right next to the Peter Scott Hide!
