Wildlife sightings for 13th October 2012
91 Shoveler - main lake, wader scrape, reservoir lagoon
38 Wigeon - main lake, sheltered lagoon
2 Pintail -
6 Snipe - grazing marsh
1 Jack Snipe - grazing marsh
1 Whinchat - grazing marsh
1 Stonechat - grazing marsh
11 Meadow Pipit - flew S,SW
66 Linnet - flew S
50+ Goldfinch - entrance lake, south route
1 Short Eared Owl - over site @ 11.00am
Recent bird highlights: Gannet, Peregrine, Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Short Eared Owl, Green Sandpiper, Stonechat, Wheatear, Brambling, Mealy Redpoll, Skylark.
Autumn migration continues with the last of the summer breeding birds leaving southwards and the fresh arrival of wintering birds to the country. Its also one of the best times of year to find a rarity, particularly Warbler species and wading birds. Look out for more Scandinavian Chiffchaff and Firecrest amongst the shrubs and tree blocks.
The wader scrape has been cut back to open up feeding areas for passage waders like Green Sandpiper and Snipe. Wintering duck like Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon and Teal have been arriving from the eastern continent since the start of August. Teal numbers are higher here during high tide on the river, as the birds need the reserve for available feeding and loafing areas.
Numbers of Swallows and House Martins migrating south-west have been very high at the end of September and early October. Meadow Pipits can also be observed flying through with a number landing to feed on the grazing marsh. Look at for migrating Wheatear and Stonechat on the marsh. The first Siskins of the autumn have recently been recorded, along with a few Redpolls.
Butterflies and insects: Red Admiral, Migrant Hawker.
Reptiles: There are still some Common Lizards to be found, particularly along the south route on any piece of woodwork or timber.
Mammals: A recent Water Vole study has found several pregnant females as well as some very old male Voles surviving in wildside and the main reedbed.
