Recent Sightings (9th-11th May)
British Steel Hide and Grounds
Our first Spotted Flycatcher of the year was seen from the hide on the 11th. Other birds have included a Common Sandpiper, 2 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 18 Gadwall, a Pochard, 2 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Mute Swans, 57 Shelduck and a Green Woodpecker. The freshwater lagoon in the grounds held the first-summer Little Gull until the 9th. A Bar-tailed Godwit was on the lagoon with a small flock of Black-tailed Godwits. There have also been 2 Shoveler, a Pochard, 2 Swifts and 10+ Swallows seen around the lagoon.
Millennium Wetlands
A good flock of Black-tailed Godwits (350+) is still viewable from the Peter Scott Hide, they have been joined by 6 Knot and a Whimbrel. Look out for colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwits as there have been a few in amongst the flock recently, some originating from Iceland. A Common Snipe was flushed from the main island on the Deep Water Lake on the 11th, probably one of the latest spring records of the species on the site. Good numbers of hirundines and Swifts have been feeding over the Deep Water Lake recently, especially in the late afternoon. Peak numbers have been 60 Sand Martins, 18 House Martins, 15 Swallows and 15 Swifts. 2 Spoonbills flew over the Deep Water Lake on the 11th. 2 Lesser Whitethroats have been heard singing, as well as Whitethroats, Sedge Warblers, Reed Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps.
Other Wildlife
The first Southern Marsh Orchid of the year was seen in flower on the 11th. Odonata have included up to 8 Hairy Dragonflies as well as Blue-tailed and Common Blue Damselflies. 2 Grass Snakes, 3 Slow Worms and a Common Lizard have been seen on the reserve. Butterfly species have included Commas, Peacocks, Orange-tips, Green-veined Whites, Large Whites and Speckled Woods.
