Wildlife sightings for 14th January 2018
2 Bittern - main lake N shore
7 Pintail - main lake, wader scrape, grazing marsh
1 Goldeneye - main lake
15 Redpoll - South route (birches in sustainable gardens)
1 Shelduck - reservoir lagoon
7 Snipe - showing well in front of Headley Hide
14 Redwing - entrance lake
1 Fieldfare - entrance lake
2 Stonechat - grazing marsh
1 Peregrine - perched on hospital
1 Grey Wagtail - otter enclosure
Late December/January bird highlights: Jack Snipe, Bittern, Goldeneye, Brent Goose, Iceland Gull, Caspian Gull, Peregrine, Kingfisher, Stonechat, Brambling, Skylark, Redpoll, Water Pipit, Bullfinch, Hawfinch.
The grazing marsh is flooded, attracting good numbers of Wigeon and Shoveler, as well as Water Pipit. The fences around the marsh are a good spot for species like Stonechat, Meadow Pipit and occasional Skylark, while the muddier or tussocky parts of the marsh, main lake and wader scrape may have some waders (like Dunlin or Snipe).
Tree blocks with a good mix of Willows may hold some interesting Warbler species or Firecrest, often mixed in with more common Tits and Goldcrests. Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler, Redwing, Fieldfare, Siskin and Redpoll continue to arrive for the winter ahead. The Fieldfares and Redwings are feeding on the Hawthorn, Dog Rose, Blackthorn and Guelder Rose across the site, while the Finch species favour the Silver Birch and Alder trees.
Up to 4 Bitterns can mostly be found on the main lake north, south or south-east shores. A long-staying Goldeneye female has been seen most days on the main lake edges. There was a Bearded Tit recorded in November, not far from the Headley Hide, and there may be more sightings as it gets colder.
Fungi: a small selection of winter fungi on show – Purple Jellydisc, Birch Woodwart, Candlesnuff Fungus, Silverleaf Fungus, Wet Rot, King Alfred’s Cakes, Dead Man’s Fingers, Hazel Woodwart, Witches’ Butter, Yellow Brain, Jelly Ear, Dead Moll’s Fingers, Crystal Brain, Willow Bark-spot, Jelly Rot, Bitter Oysterling, Common Bonnet, Velvet Shank.
