Common Snipe in front of the main observatory
Common Snipe showing very well in front of the main observatory this morning, while Water Pipit and 2 Stonechat continue on the grazing marsh.
4 Stonechat - grazing marsh
2 Water pipit - grazing marsh
4 Common Snipe - main lake in front of main observatory, grazing marsh
2 Shelduck - wader scrape
4 Pintail - main lake
1 Goldeneye - reservoir lagoon
3 Redwing - entrance area
The grazing marsh and scrape are best for watching wintering Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon. Listen for bird song across the reserve with Song Thrush, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Robin and Cetti's Warbler being particularly vocal at the moment.
February bird highlights: Bittern(3), Goldeneye, Yellow-legged Gull, Iceland Gull, Caspian Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Buzzard, Water Rail, Curlew, Jack Snipe, Water Pipit(2), Stonechat, Siskin, Chiffchaff.
Reptiles: Common Lizard recorded 1st February.
Early flowering plants: Marsh Marigold, Cowslip, Ragwort, Daisy, Winter Aconite, Snowdrop, Hazel, Primrose, Stinking Hellebore, Butcher's Broom, Gorse, Early Crocus, Meadow Buttercup, Wild Daffodil, Wild Plum, Blackthorn, Sallow.
