Wildlife sightings for 3rd January 2014
1 Bittern - spotted on the N shore main lake (late morning)
1 Jack Snipe - centre of the grazing marsh
81 Shoveler - grazing marsh, main lake
5 Snipe - grazing marsh, wader scrape
1 Kingfisher - flew along reservoir lagoon
60 Redwing - entrance area, wildside, sheltered lagoon plus flyovers in all directions
32 Fieldfare - with the Redwings mostly flying N/NW
December bird highlights: Goosander, Brent Goose, Bittern, Peregrine, Glossy Ibis, 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
