Wildlife sightings for 5th January 2012
1 Yellow-legged Gull 2nd winter - main lake 1 Shelduck - main lake 150 Teal - marsh 9 Snipe - marsh and main lake 1 Bullfinch - wildside 2 Chiffchaff - world wetlands and she [...]
1 Yellow-legged Gull 2nd winter - main lake
1 Shelduck - main lake
150 Teal - marsh
9 Snipe - marsh and main lake
1 Bullfinch - wildside
2 Chiffchaff - world wetlands and sheltered lagoon
11 Lesser Redpoll - world wetlands
Recent bird highlights: Bittern, Pheasant, Yellow-legged Gull, Peregrine, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Caspian Gull, Stonechat, Bullfinch.
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.
Fungi: Nitrous Bonnet (WW), Saffron Milkcap (WW), Candlesnuff Fungus (SL), Girdled Knight (SL), Silver-leaf Fungus (SL), Meadow Coral (EL), Clustered Bonnet (WD), Oak Mazegill (WD), Deceiver (WD), Ochre Aldercap (WD), Snowy Waxcap (EL), Leaf Parachute (SL).
Flowering plants: Marsh Marigold, Hazel catkins, Blackthorn.
