Recent Sightings 17th June 2024
The tide was in and the sun was out for this morning’s count, and as a result we had an amazing variety of species on the Main Lake. Mallard, Moorhen and Coot all had their youngsters out for a swim alongside the diving Cormorant and the tiny Little grebes. House martins were swooping overhead and the Sedge warbler was belting out its distinctive tune.
The Grey heron (pictured) clan was out in force this morning, with three on the Main Lake edge and one just further up on the Shingle Bank. It is thought these might be the adults and two juveniles from a successful nest that was located just outside our fence line last year. These tall, beautiful birds are masters at standing completely still, and are also surprisingly sneaky and quiet considering how big they are!
A Long-eared owl has been in our Woodland for the last few days, completely silent and extremely well camouflaged – they are an absolute mission to spot. However, if you do manage to catch a glimpse of this seemingly mythical creature, they are one of the most enchanting visitors we get on site.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Black-headed gull 3, Hooded crow 2, Lesser black-backed gull 1
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mute swan 2, Mallard 12 (8 ducklings), Moorhen 4 (8 chicks), Coot 2 (2 chicks), Black-headed gull 13, Jackdaw 2, Little grebe 2, Tufted duck 3, Grey heron 3, Cormorant 1, Lesser black-backed gull 1, House martin, Pied wagtail, Sedge warbler, Wren, Robin
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Grey heron 1, Mallard 54, Little egret 13, Gadwall 1, Oystercatcher 463, Jackdaw 1, Black-headed gull 23, Common gull 90, Swallow
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Shelduck 2 (6 ducklings), Moorhen 1 (2 chicks), Black-headed gull 20, Little egret 2, Oystercatcher 19
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Jackdaw 1 (with fledgling), Mallard 1 (7 ducklings), Moorhen 1 (2 chicks), Gadwall 1, Sedge warbler, Pied wagtail, Swallow
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Common tern 2, Blackbird, Wren
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Shelduck 2, Meadow pipit 2, Starling 22, Swallow, Blackbird
Brickworks
Goldfinch 3, Linnet 3, Meadow pipit 1, House martin, Blackbird, Swallow
Limestone Lake
Black-headed gull 1, Jackdaw 2, Sedge warbler, Wood pigeon
Woodland
Willow warbler, Chaffinch, Robin, Wren, Blue tit, Coal tit, Goldcrest, Long-eared owl
