Wildlife sightings for 1st January 2024
Water Pipit and Stonechats on the marsh. Peregrine and Bittern on the main lake. Also a flock of 30 Siskin.
1 Water Pipit - marsh
2 Stonechat - marsh, scrape
30 Siskin - entrance lakes, sheltered lagoon
1 Goldeneye - main lake
1 Bittern - main lake N shore (Dulverton Hide)
4 Snipe - marsh
1 Peregrine - main lake
1 Red Kite - over, flying SW
2 Shelduck - main lake
60 Lapwing - main lake
There are good numbers of Shoveler building on the main lake and the marsh. With the constant rain, the flooded marsh has become a haven for Teal, Shoveler, a growing flock of resident Greylag Geese, plus Water Pipit (see photo) and a pair of Stonechat. 70 Wigeon have split into two groups, one feeding on the marsh bunds and the other spread out across the reservoir lagoon. These vocal birds are highly social and a joy to watch throughout the winter. The reservoir lagoon is holding the majority of duck with plentiful submerged vegetation to eat - here you can find Gadwall, Wigeon and Coot.
Plenty of Water Rail have spread themselves throughout all the reedbeds and can now be found in all areas of the site. Listen out for them ticking and calling to get a better idea of where to point your bins! Our regular Peregrine Falcon was on the long shingle island this morning, where it can often be seen bathing in the mornings. Also on the main lake today are Bittern, Shelduck and Goldeneye.
Two flocks of Siskin made a total of 30 birds this morning. Check the tops of the Alder and Birch trees, which are the usual hang out for these small finches.
