Wildlife sightings for 17th December 2013
2 Bittern - north side of main lake
2 Pintail - main lake
2 Peregrine - perched on hospital
1 Jack Snipe - marsh
11 Snipe - marsh, scrape, main lake
55 Lapwing - main lake
5 Collared Dove - world wetlands
29 Fieldfare - wildside
120 Redwing - 28 flew E and 92 landed in roost on QEW and sheltered lagoon
1 Coal Tit - singing from Castlenau gardens
5 Siskin - south route
1 Treecreeper - sheltered lagoon
1 Reed Bunting - in scrub by sand martin bank
December bird highlights: Goosander, Brent Goose, Bittern, Peregrine, Jack Snipe, Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, Tawny Owl, Bearded Tit, Brambling, Mealy Redpoll, Lapland Bunting.
The Bitterns (a maximum of 6 were counted early in the month) have been spotted mostly on the north and south shores of the main lake, with movements into the main reedbed at dusk for roosting. But try looking at all the reed fringes on all water-bodies for these often elusive birds.
A Bearded Tit re-appeared in the first week of December, spotted in reeds close to the Headley Hide as well as out on the marsh, hiding amongst the tall, dense Purple Loosestrife plants. Listen out for the distinctive ‘pinging’ calls.
Woodcock has been recorded this month, dropping down on to the marsh fields at dusk. These birds roost every winter now in the security of the woodland blocks and dense hedgerows around the reserve.
Redwings, Fieldfare, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Chaffinches and Song Thrushes are all on the move, visible from any part of the reserve where there’s a good view of the open sky. Crossbills, Pipit sp. and Bunting sp. are all possible migrants if you’re lucky.
Look out for some unusual winter ducks this month – Scaup, Goldeneye or Smew are real possibilities if the temperatures drop. Also watch for a roosting Little Egret that has been seen a few times lately in the sheltered lagoon trees at dusk.
Water voles: the latest sightings have been mostly from the Wildside ponds, particularly those closest to the Wildside gates as you enter the area from World Wetlands.
