Wildlife sightings for 4th January 2012
4 Pintail - 3 male and 1 female, marsh channel 45 Wigeon - grazing marsh 1 Peregrine - over marsh 1 Jack Snipe - grazing marsh 187 Black-headed Gull - main lake 4 Common Gull - mai [...]
4 Pintail - 3 male and 1 female, marsh channel
45 Wigeon - grazing marsh
1 Peregrine - over marsh
1 Jack Snipe - grazing marsh
187 Black-headed Gull - main lake
4 Common Gull - main lake
1 Pheasant - flew from north bank to wildside
13 Lesser Redpoll - world wetlands
1 Bullfinch - wildside
Recent bird highlights: Bittern, Peregrine, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Caspian Gull, Stonechat, Bearded Tit, Crossbill.
The grazing marsh is currently in flood and attracting large numbers of Teal, Gadwall, Snipe, Pintail and Wigeon. Jack Snipe can also be found on the marsh, along with Stonechat and occasional Pipit species.
Small flocks of Siskin, Goldfinch, Lesser Redpoll and Mealy Redpoll are feeding amongst the Alder and Birch trees.
Check through any Tit flocks for possible Goldcrest and Firecrest at this time of year. Over-wintering Chiffchaff will often feed with these flocks as well. There are at least 5 Cetti’s Warbler on the reserve.
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.
Listen out for the distinctive ‘pinging’ call of Bearded Tits that have recently been spotted in the reedbeds. Further small flocks of this species can be expected as temperatures drop.
Image: Pintail by Mike Caiden. See more of Mike's London Wetland Centre photos
