Good numbers of Stonechat continue on the grazing marsh
6 Stonechat still along the grazing marsh fenceline this morning.
6 Stonechat - grazing marsh (4 female, 2 male)
1 Water Pipit - grazing marsh
1 Redwing - entrance area
6 Fieldfare - entrance area
2 Pintail - main lake
1 Goldeneye - reservoir lagoon
2 Shelduck - main lake
1 Common Snipe - main lake in front of the observatory
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.
