Recent Sightings (afternoon of the 24th-28th Nov)
British Steel Hide
Waders from the British Steel Hide recently have included 105 Black-tailed Godwits, 41 Lapwing, 86 Dunlin, 10 Redshank, 6 Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank and a Curlew. The Spoonbill is still a regular on the lagoons. Wildfowl have included 11 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 50 Shelduck, 48 Wigeon, 7 Teal and 3 Shoveler. Other birds have included a Peregrine, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzards, 10 Little Egrets, 9 Cormorants and 2 Grey Herons.
Millennium Wetlands
Wildfowl have included 88 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Ducks, 76 Teal, 6 Pochard, 3 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 3 Little Grebes, 9 Mute Swans, 7 Coot and 4 Moorhens. Wader wise, a very smart little Jack Snipe joined up to 8 Common Snipe on the Deep Water Lake, as well as a single Black-tailed Godwit and Lapwing. The rise in water level has really boosted the birdlife from the Peter Scott hide with a noticeable rise in numbers of ducks as well as passerines, including Pipits, Finches and Thrushes. A Water Pipit was seen from the hide on the 26th as well as a Red Kite. 9 Siskins have been seen feeding in the grounds as well as a Chiffchaff and 5 Greenfinches. 8 House Sparrows were seen using the feeders near the visitor centre on the 25th, a real site scarcity!
Concerning Hawfinches
Up to 3 Hawfinches have been seen regularly at various sites around the reserve. These birds are feeding on Field Maple which is found at various locations around the reserve. The Field Maples that the Hawfinches are feeding on can be found at: Hopkins Folly, the Red-crowned Crane enclosure, the site entrance and behind the Michael Powell hide.
Hawfinches can be incredibly elusive, the best way of finding them is often by recognising their call, which can be listened to here: http://www.xeno-canto.org/391580
Other Wildlife
Despite the time of year, a few Butterflies have been spotted including a Red Admiral and a Small Tortoiseshell. A Stoat, a Water Shrew and a Fox have been seen around the reserve also.
