Latest Sightings
An excellent day on the reserve. Cool, light winds, sunshine and great visibility. Six species of raptor; Merlin, Peregrine, 3+ Marsh Harrier, 4+ Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Barn Owl and roosting Tawny Owl also regular.
Most of the wintering wildfowl are present, 1000+ Teal, 400+ Wigeon, 400+ Shelduck, 240+ Pintail, 600+ Mallard and smaller numbers of Shoveler, Pochard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck and a single female Goldeneye. Any Pink-footed Geese on the reserve are worth scanning through as Greenland White-fronted Geese have been seen locally. Small numbers of Whooper Swan during the day but 900+ roosting. Two Bewick's Swan have been seen locally.
Over 700 Lapwing currently, 66 Ruff, ~ 10 Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper still and a few Snipe.
At least 4 Little Egret and similar numbers of Grey Heron. At least one Raven seen today.
Out on the Reed Bed, Cetti's Warbler (4+).
Along the Nature Trail; Treecreeper, Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Great-spotted Woodpecker. Willow Tit still coming into the feeders at the Janet Kear Hide and Nuthatch recently. Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Reed Bunting present.
At least 4 Stonechat out on the fence lines across the reserve. Skylark and Meadow Pipit present.
Tree Sparrows and Stock Doves present. A House Sparrow near the back entrance gate was unusual.
Call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide to see what's being seen on the day and to report any sightings. It's possible to see over 60 species in a day currently.
