Wildlife sightings for 21st January 2013
4 Bittern - main lake, sheltered lagoon p.m.
1 Smew - main lake a.m.
2 Bearded Tit - calling from middle of marsh amongst tall Purple Loosestrife
1 Waxwing - staff car park 4.15p.m.
120 Fieldfare - a few perched in wildside, but mostly flew W throughout the day
40+ Siskin - south route
5 Meadow Pipit - marsh
16 Skylark - flew S+SW, mostly individuals all through the morning + 3 birds landed on marsh
Recent bird highlights: Red-breasted Merganser, Smew, Bittern, Peregrine, Ruff, Woodcock, Jack Snipe, Waxwing, Skylark, Bearded Tit.
The two Bitterns are currently favouring the main lake and reservoir lagoon reed fringes.
Small Wigeon flocks can be found grazing through the marsh fields or along the wader scrape bank where the grass sward has been kept nice and short by the cattle grazing in the autumn.
Waxwing have so far put in some very welcome appearances during November and December as they did across the whole country. With colder conditions returning in January we should expect a few more sightings of these exciting birds. Colder weather should also see an increase in duck numbers, as well more chances to find the scarcer Scaup, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser or Goosander.
This late autumn and winter there’s been more sightings of Bearded Tit than in any other year, suggesting that the same two birds have been in refuge all the time amongst the dense vegetation of the main reedbed and grazing marsh. Keep listening out for the distinctive ‘pinging’ calls.
Small numbers of Redpoll and Siskin can be found daily, feeding on the Birch and Alder trees. Look out for other Finch species mixed in with these flocks, as well as Goldcrest or possible Firecrest.
