Wildlife sightings for 22nd March 2018
1 Marsh Harrier (female) - flew out of reedbed at 15:00, then back down
1 Goldeneye - main lake
2 Little Egret - grazing marsh
1 Redshank - grazing marsh
2 Shelduck - wader scrape
5 Jack Snipe - wader scrape, grazing marsh
7 Snipe - wader scrape, grazing marsh
6 Pintail - main lake, sheltered lagoon, reservoir lagoon
2 Chiffchaff - wildside
1 Water Pipit - grazing marsh
1 Peregrine - perched on the hospital
February/March bird highlights: Jack Snipe, Curlew, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Bittern, Goldeneye, Caspian Gull, Peregrine, Red Kite, Kingfisher, Stonechat, Water Pipit, Mealy Redpoll, Brambling.
The grazing marsh has been lowered a little at the start of March to expose some muddy areas for waders and dabbling ducks. Snipe have responded particularly quickly and can be seen feeding across the marsh. Other exciting visitors to the marsh have included Spoonbill and Jack Snipe.
At least one Bittern can still be found on the main lake north, south or south-east shores, or in the main reedbed.
Many birds are in full song to attract mates and hold territories for breeding, such as Song Thrush, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Robin and Great Tit. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are drumming and Black-headed Gulls are already squabbling over their nest sites.
Early flowering plants: Winter Aconite, Snowdrop, Early Crocus, Dandelion.
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.
Butterflies: Red Admiral (early Feb)
Reptiles: 4 Common Lizards by WWF hide (Feb 17th)
