Good number of Water Rail calling
Water Rail calling from several spots on the reserve in still foggy conditions a.m. Buzzard circled over site and flew SE p.m during bright, sunny weather
1 Buzzard - circled over the main lake then headed SE (13.10)
1 Bittern - main lake SE shore
1 Water Pipit - marsh
1 Meadow Pipit - over W
10 Redwing - sheltered lagoon
5 Water Rail - reservoir lagoon, reedbed, main lake
February bird highlights: Bittern(2), Goldeneye, Yellow-legged Gull, Iceland Gull, Caspian Gull, Water Rail, Jack Snipe, Water Pipit(2), Siskin, Chiffchaff.
Early flowering plants: Marsh Marigold, Cowslip, Ragwort, Daisy, Winter Aconite, Snowdrop, Hazel, Primrose, Stinking Hellebore, Butcher's Broom, Gorse, Early Crocus.
Insects: (January) Buff-tailed Bumblebee, Red Admiral, Non-biting Midge species.
