Wildlife sightings for 2nd January 2016
2 Bittern - one bird flew into the reedbed from the W-end of resr lagoon, the other was spotted on the N shore of the resr lagoon
4 Mandarin - resr lagoon
80 Teal - marsh, scrape, main lake, sheltered lagoon
73 Wigeon - marsh, scrape bank
2 Pintail - resr lagoon
79 Shoveler - main lake, marsh, scrape
1 Pheasant - female spotted sitting on the N perimeter fence
2 Redpoll - wildside
16 Redwing - entrance area
1 Stonechat - marsh
20 Siskin - sheltered lagoon
1 Chiffchaff
December bird highlights: Bittern, Shelduck, Goldeneye, Jack Snipe, Dunlin, Pheasant, Stonechat, Brambling, Water Pipit, Treecreeper.
Bittern can be found on the main lake reed fringes, particularly the south-east corner or the north shore at present, but has also been spotted on the reservoir lagoon since mid-December. Jack Snipe have been found on the marsh or scrape along with up to a dozen Common Snipe. Redpolls and Siskins can be searched for in any of the Alder trees along the south route or wildside. Small flocks of Redwing and Fieldfare are passing through almost daily and numbers should increase if the temperatures drop, and smaller numbers of Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Brambling and other Finch species can also be observed passing through or stopping to feed. Teal and Wigeon are all over the wet grazing marsh fields, looking at their colourful best after the late summer feather moult. There’s been a long-staying female Goldeneye out on the reservoir lagoon in the company of a few pairs of Tufted Duck. Listen out for possible Bearded Tits in the reedbeds this winter.
Unseasonal flowering: Hazel catkins, Forget-me-Knot, Primrose, Common Field Speedwell, White and Red Dead-nettle, Buttercup, Common Knapweed!
Bats: A Pipistrelle was spotted several nights in early December hunting in front of the Observatory.
Fungi: Two quite uncommon species, Girdled Webcap and Russula atrorubens, were both still flourishing mid-month.
Reptiles: One Common Lizard was found in Wildside mid-month, along with lots of Smooth Newts and two Slow Worms. All very unusual at this time of year.
