Siberian Chiffchaff
A Siberian Chiffchaff was singing and calling this morning along the hedgerow opposite the Sewage Works at the end of the Reed Bed Walk. Access from the coach car park and follow the perimeter fence. The first part of the trail is muddy and it's worth noting the WWT car park will be closed at 6pm.
This 'tristis' bird is very grey and shows none of the olive tones of the 'standard' Chiffchaff apart from a little greenish fringing on the secondaries and primaries. Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler are also present there.
We have had two previous records of Sibe Chiffchaff both in 2014 and both hanging around the Sewage Works, a favoured location for this species!
Another good count of Mediterranean Gull with 8 breeding plumage birds and a couple of immatures mostly on the Mere with Black-headed Gulls.
The 'usual' waders with 40+ Avocet, 30+ Black-tailed Godwit, 20+ Lapwing, 10+ Oystercatcher, 6+ Redshank, 8 Ruff and a few Snipe.
A pair Great-crested Grebe in front of the Harrier Hide.
Raptors included Marsh Harrier, 6+ Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Two Raven as well as Carrion Crow, Magpie and Jackdaw. Still no Rook sightings on the reserve.
