Wildlife sightings for 30th March 2018
1 Iceland Gull - main lake
1 Mediterranean Gull - grazing marsh
1 Green Sandpiper - grazing marsh
7 Redshank - wader scrape
1 Jack Snipe - wader scrape
9 Snipe - wader scrape, grazing marsh, sheltered lagoon
6 Pintail - main lake, reservoir lagoon, grazing marsh
1 Goldeneye - main lake
2 Shelduck - wader scrape
4 Chiffchaff - South route, sheltered lagoon, West route
1 Willow Warbler - WWF hide
March bird highlights: Common Scoter, Goldeneye, Jack Snipe, Curlew, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Bittern, Caspian Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Peregrine, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Stonechat, Water Pipit, Brambling.
Winter bird report: The flooded marsh over the winter attracted Caspian Gull, Iceland Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Water Pipit, Stonechat (4-6), Dunlin, Wigeon (120+), Shoveler (80+), Teal and Gadwall. The marsh was lowered a little at the start of March to expose some muddy areas for waders and dabbling ducks. Snipe responded quickly and could be seen feeding across the field (>20 birds on some days). Other exciting early spring visitors included Spoonbill, Dunlin, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank.
A nationally important count of 5 Jack Snipe was recorded regularly on the wader scrape, coming out to feed on the mats of cut Purple Loosestrife most days. By mid-March Lapwings were displaying across the scrape and marsh, setting up territories and starting to scrape out nest sites.
After the first wintering Bittern was found mid-October, numbers peaked at 4 birds December/January. Birds were feeding all along the main lake reed and sedge-fringed shores.
Other winter birds (November-Feb) included Firecrest, Short-eared Owl, Hawfinch, Great White Egret, Bearded Tit, Ring Ouzel and Green Sandpiper.
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), Small Tortoishell and Peacock (March 23rd)
Other insects: Bee-fly (March 25th)
Reptiles: 4 Common Lizards by WWF hide (Feb 17th)
