Wildlife Sightings for 31st December 2023
2 female and 1 male Pintail on the reservoir lagoon. Water Rails calling from the reedbeds all over the site. 1 Stonechat on the marsh.
3 Pintail - reservoir lagoon
1 Goldeneye - main lake
1 Shelduck - main lake
1 Water Rail - sheltered lagoon
1 Stonechat - marsh
66 Lapwing - main lake
Clouds whizzing overhead on the last day of the year. Golden sunshine breaking through in drips. 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 and growing group of resident Greylag Geese. c70 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. Three Pintail have joined the throng of Gadwall, Wigeon and Coot on the reservoir lagoon, a welcome addition to this years winter bird list. Two elegant females and a smart male standing out quite obviously amongst the swirling masses. 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!
