Crossbill and Greenshank
Crossbill seen feeding on Pines around the Kingfisher Hide. Crossbill is a rare bird on the reserve, this being only the third record for the reserve. There are apparently photographs of the bird. If [...]
Crossbill seen feeding on Pines around the Kingfisher Hide. Crossbill is a rare bird on the reserve, this being only the third record for the reserve. There are apparently photographs of the bird. If you've taken one we'd love to put it on this page. Do bear in mind that Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Goldfinch are also feeding on the Pine seeds as they open up in this warm weather. A Redpoll, most likely Lesser was seen briefly in the same area, Goldcrest there too.
First Greenshank of the year, seen along the Reed Bed Walk. Some wader counts included 50+ Avocet, 30+ Ruff, 20+ Black-tailed Godwit, 20+ Oystercatcher, 15 Redhank, 7 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew and yesterday a Golden Plover.
Waterfowl numbers continue to drop away, 116 Whooper Swan, 248 Common Shelduck, 180 Teal, 25 Shoveler, 34 Tufted Duck, 23 Gadwall, 7 Pintail, 7 Pochard and 4 Little Grebe.
Raptors included 3 Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Buzzard, and Kestrel.
The Reed Bed Walk was productive with Yellowhammer singing again, 15 Reed Bunting in song, 2 Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Tit (inside the perimeter fence). Meadow Pipit over too.
Yesterday a couple of Hirundines that flew through the reserve were thought to be Sand Martin and a Little Egret was seen from the Ron Barker Hide.
Speckled Wood Butterfly was new for the year.
AB
