Tuesday Sightings
Late news from yesterday a dog Otter swam past the Ron Barker Hide late afternoon.
Wood Sandpiper flew onto Woodend Marsh around 2pm then appeared to fly off south.
Great count of 16 Dunlin and 6 Ringed Plover (tundra race) on Woodend Marsh which we see here on passage in May as they head to the Arctic Circle and beyond to breed.
At least 4 Little Ringed Plover present as usual. Six Black-tailed Godwit, 20+ Avocet, 2 Common Sandpiper, 6+ Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 20+ Lapwing.
A female Marsh Harrier (below) was quartering the reserve early on, a well marked bird. At least 6 Buzzard seen, most distantly. Kestrel and Sparrowhawk also present.
Grasshopper Warbler reeling opposite the bridge towards the Sewage Works end on Woodend Marsh. On the Reed Bed, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge and Reed Warbler (below) are all active.
Yellow Wagtails on Curlew Lane and opposite the reserve on Marsh Moss Lane.
Two Wheatear out on Plover Field. One still out on Langley's Field.
Two Cuckoo on and around the Reed Bed area.
Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin and Swift all feeding today over the reserve.
The first Banded Demoiselle of the year in the channel running parallel with the bank between the Sewage Works and The UU Hide. Bank Vole feeding along there this afternoon.
Below pair of Orange-Tip butterflies which are common on site at this time of year,
their caterpillars should soon be spotted on Cuckoo Flower and Garlic
Mustard. (pic by Maria Scullion)
Look out for Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) (below) which comes in purple or cream flowers.
