Latest sightings
Kingfisher regulars?
We could well be seeing a return of regular sightings of Kingfishers with one known sighting yesterday and two today. All these were seen in different parts of the reserve so could be seen anywhere from the ditches to wetlands discovery boat safari. Littl
13 July 2014
Tern around!
After the sad loss of the male Common tern, it was warming to see another pair briefly around the reserve at the beginning of the week roosting on the new island on Arun riverlife. Was it our female with a new mate or a different pair? Hopefully next year
22 June 2014
Sunshine and heat
The whole reserve is literally buzzing with life. Scores of Canada and greylag geese goslings, Mute swan cygnets, Mallard, Gadwall, Shelduck and Tufted duck ducklings and Black headed gull chicks abound. Swallows are feeding young at two nests in our h
13 June 2014
Day of the Grebes
A pair of Great crested grebes this morning from the Ramsar hide were a welcome return with many sightings of individuals over the last few days. A Little grebe was also on wetlands discovery, calling in the hope of attracting a mate. The Oystercatchers n
26 May 2014
Baby boom
The Mallard ducklings from first broods are now well grown. Smaller second broods are now appearing but the other species of duck are now starting to hatch their first broods. Gadwall are the most numerous with four females from the sctrape hide with a to
21 May 2014
Cuckoo returns
After a brief calling male Cuckoo last week, the last few days have seen a male calling above the reed bed and various other places around the perimeter of the reserve. Highlights of the week although brief were a Grasshopper warbler (heard only) and Lit
27 April 2014
Warblers arrive
Things are really hotting up and not just the weather. Sedge warblers and Reed warblers are now increasing especially in the reedbed. Whitethroats are more evident around the reserves hedgerows and Cettis warblers are blasting there song from most suitabl
21 April 2014
4th April Reserve sightings
RESERVE; Pheasant, Wood pigeon, Coot & chicks, Moorhen & chicks, Great/ Blue/ Long tailed tits, Goldfinch, Nuthatch, Dunnock, Chiff chaff, Reed bunting, Wren, Cetti's warbler, Jackdaw, Rook, Water voles, Herring gulls, Robin, Blackbird, Mute swans
4 April 2014
Mediterranean presence
During the last couple of weeks the increasing presence of the Black headed gull colony has also attracted up to 18 different Mediterranean gulls in various stages of plumage and age. This morning there were 9 individuals with one pair displaying and ano
24 March 2014
Spring underway
What wonderful warm sunny weather to lift the spirits after a couple of months of non stop rain and flooding. The wildlife has also responded to the warmer, longer daylight. Common Toads are spawning, butterflies such as Brimstone, Small tortoiseshell and
10 March 2014
The sun is shining and the birds are....
What a glorious day, sun is shining and warm enough to feel like spring. The birds on the reserve have also taken this as a sign. Water levels now falling exposing ground and islands that have been covered for two months have signalled the displaying of
21 February 2014
Oyster catcher
Good afternoon! As you can see, we have had our first Oyster catcher back this morning, busily feeding in front of the Ramsar & Sand martin hides. Also seen: 4 Cormorant, 34 Gadwall, 7 Lapwing, 2 Shoveler, 22 Tufted duck, 12 Pochard, 42 Teal, 16 Canad
10 February 2014
Wonderful wigeon
Good afternoon all! It is getting a little blustery and wet out there this afternoon but we have are usual favourites and a couple of little gems today. RAMSAR & SANDMARTIN HIDES 6 Wigeon, 11 Lapwing, 28 Common shelduck, 2 Mute swans, 4 Cormorants, 2
31 January 2014
Flood levels abate
After what seems an age, but only a month, water levels are beginning to get down near to normal. However as I write the rain has returned! The reserve does have its usual residents and visitors with Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Shelduck, Lapwing, Snipe, Tuft
26 January 2014
Boxing day sightings
Rising water levels didn't dampen the wildfowl out on the scrape areas with plenty of displaying Teal, 28 Shoveler, 40 Snipe, 10 Shelduck, 3 Pochard, 19 Tufted duck, 10 Lapwing, 8 Cormorant, 1 Grey heron, 16 Gadwall, 2 Little grebes and a Kingfisher! Ano
26 December 2013