Migrant Stonechat still on the reserve
6 Stonechat still present on the grazing marsh (although some of these are different birds to yesterday's Stonechats), accompanied by Water Pipits and a Chiffchaff
6 Stonechat - marsh SW corner (2 male, 4 female)
2 Water Pipit - marsh SW corner
1 Chiffchaff - marsh SW corner
6 Fieldfare - playing fields opposite the entrance
11 Redwing - entrance lake, south route
4 Pintail - reservoir lagoon, main lake
2 Shelduck - main lake
109 Cormorant - main lake
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, Water Rail, 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 Plum, Blackthorn, Sallow.
