Wildlife sightings for 30th November 2011
1 Bittern - showing well from observatory, E end of main lake. Not seen to fly off at dusk to roost, so presumably staying on site. 1 Shelduck - main lake 2 Pintail - main lake 1 Jack Snip [...]
1 Bittern - showing well from observatory, E end of main lake. Not seen to fly off at dusk to roost, so presumably staying on site.
1 Shelduck - main lake
2 Pintail - main lake
1 Jack Snipe - scrape
9 Common Snipe - marsh, main lake, scrape
2 Peregrine - perched over river
1 Caspian Gull - 1st-winter, main lake
300+ Woodpigeon - migrating N
2 Stonechat - perched on fox fence
1 Chiffchaff - calling from wildside
Recent bird highlights: Smew, Bittern, Peregrine, Redshank, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Gull, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Stonechat, Bearded Tit and Mealy Redpoll.
Redwing, Fieldfare, Meadow Pipits and migrant Blackbird and Song Thrush are moving westwards on a daily basis. Some will drop into the hedges which are laden with Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Rosehip fruit.
Look out for a real rarity like a Yellow-browed Warbler or Firecrest that tend to follow mixed Tit flocks around the tree/shrub and scrub blocks.
The grazing marsh is good for Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Water Pipit and grazing Wigeon. Jack Snipe are currently preferring to feed or rest along the right-hand side of the main marsh channel.
Small flocks of Siskin, Goldfinch, Lesser Redpoll and Mealy Redpoll are feeding amongst the Alder and Birch trees.
Flocks of wintering duck have settled on the reserve with Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon and Teal all on the increase. Wigeon are beginning to graze on the marsh in larger numbers as temperatures start to drop.
The first Bitterns (2) arrived mid-October and can be found anywhere on the reed fringes of the main lake, sheltered lagoon, reservoir lagoon or main reedbed.
Bats: There are still small numbers of Soprano Pipistrelle being seen around dusk.
Dragonflies: very late Migrant Hawker.
Moths: Large Wainscot, Feathered Thorn, Light-brown Apple, Brick.
Late flowering plants: Common Knapweed, Deptford Pink, Bird’s Foot Trefoil, Ragwort,
