Wildlife sightings for 19th December 2011
2 Bittern (photo, right) - south shore, very close to each other. Also 1 Bittern seen flying towards the Wetland Centre over Rocks Lane at about 7:50 a.m., flying from the SW - possibly from [...]
2 Bittern (photo, right) - south shore, very close to each other. Also 1 Bittern seen flying towards the Wetland Centre over Rocks Lane at about 7:50 a.m., flying from the SW - possibly from Richmond Park?
160+ Teal - grazing marsh and scrape
72 Wigeon - grazing marsh
2 Pintail - males, grazing marsh
4 Mandarin - 2 males and 2 females (see photo), reservoir lagoon and then main lake in front of the Bitterns
1 Woodcock - flushed from hedge by Peacock Tower, flew to main lake
30 Lesser Redpoll - in trees by wildside hide.
Image by Mike Caiden.
Recent bird highlights: Smew, Bittern, Peregrine, Buzzard, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Caspian Gull, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Stonechat, Bearded Tit and Mealy Redpoll.
The grazing marsh is currently in flood and attracting large numbers of Teal, Gadwall, Snipe, Pintail and Wigeon. Jack Snipe can also be found on the marsh, along with Stonechat and occasional Pipit species.
Small flocks of Siskin, Goldfinch, Lesser Redpoll and Mealy Redpoll are feeding amongst the Alder and Birch trees.
Check through any Tit flocks for possible Goldcrest and Firecrest at this time of year. Over-wintering Chiffchaff will often feed with these flocks as well. There are at least 5 Cetti’s Warbler on the reserve.
The first Bitterns (2) arrived mid-October and can be found anywhere on the reed fringes of the main lake, sheltered lagoon, reservoir lagoon or main reedbed.
Listen out for the distinctive ‘pinging’ call of Bearded Tits that have recently been spotted in the reedbeds. Further small flocks of this species can be expected as temperatures drop.
Moths: Large Wainscot, Feathered Thorn, Light-brown Apple, Brick.
Late flowering plants: Red Campion, Field Scabious, Bird’s Foot Trefoil, Ragwort.
