Latest sightings
Cuckoo and Redshank
Lovely warm start to the day and our first Cuckoo calling on the reserve. A Redshank was also spotted feeding from the Sand martin hide, hopefully one that may stay and nest here? Six Lapwings are now sitting on eggs from the Ramsar and Lapwing hides. Pai
20 April 2013
Warmer weather?
Apologies for the lack of updates, lets catch you up! So we have seen our first migrants coming through; Sand Martins, Swallows, Swifts and House Martins. The milder temperatures have meant the insects are finally appearing and that their is a food source
19 April 2013
Sedge warblers at last
Two weeks later than last year at least three Sedge warblers have returned to the reedbed. Other migrants returning include Swallows, House and Sand martins, Hobby, Willow warbler and Chiffchaff. Water voles have been showing really well today. Common toa
14 April 2013
Sand Martins and Swallows
After the initial siting of 1 Swallow, we saw 10 Sand Martins yesterday afternoon and a pair of Swallows this afternoon. The milder weather is finally helping the insects out, so there will be food for these beautiful birds. Sightings from; RAMSAR & S
10 April 2013
Could it be?
Yes! We have seen our first Swallow, as Paul keeps saying (rather optimistically) Summer is here! Water Voles are also showing well all ovet the reserve, feeding on the fresh shoots. Sightings from the Sand martin & Ramsar hides today include: 4 Lesse
9 April 2013
Great white!!
Whilst doing the daily count this morning a large egret caught my eye as it drifted over the reserve and landed towards the rear of the site next to the river. A Great white egret!! Then to follow this up the Glossy Ibis, which I hadn't personnally caught
8 April 2013
Spring maybe!
Lovely sunny start to the day and hints of spring in the air. Chiffchaff were singing at various points around the reserve and a Mistle thrush, Robin and Chaffinch joining in as well. At the end of last week it seemed like winter was beginning not finishi
7 April 2013
Beautiful Egrets
The wind has been truely bitter, which has meant alot of birds, like us, are trying to keep out of it as much as possible! However over the last few days we have been getting a small number of Egrets (5 today), all perched in the lower branches of trees.
5 April 2013
Thursday 4th April
RAMSAR & SAND MARTIN HIDES; A pair of Shoveler, 6 Egrets, 5 Gadwall, Cormorant, 4 Teal, 2 Tufted duck, 7 Pochard, 2 Oyster catchers, 12 Canadian geese, 16 Shelduck. LAPWING HIDE; 1 Lapwing, 2 Shelduck, Moorhen, Coot, Woodpigeon and Pheasants. RESERVE;
4 April 2013
Glossy Ibis
Star bird at the moment is the Glossy Ibis which appeared yesterday morning and promptly disappeared! It was seen again from 3pm. This morning it was present until around 11am, so hopefully it will pop back in to roost overnight. Great crested Grebe still
31 March 2013
Easter weekend
I am putting this on late Friday evening, but the birds listed have been seen throughout the week, so happy Easter and have fun spotting these fabulous species! LAPWING HIDE; Lapwing, Gadwall, Teal, Canadian geese, Common Shelduck. RAMSAR & SAND MAR
29 March 2013
Redshanks and grebe
Yesterday was very cold, but warming up in spirit were three Redshank that made a visit in the morning and a lovely Great crested Grebe in the afternoon. The Grebe is still present this morning showing off its full courtship feathery finery from the Ramsa
26 March 2013
Fridays sightings
RAMSAR & SANDMARTIN HIDES; 2Pochard, 5 Lapwing, 23 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Tufted duck, 4 Cormorant, 12 Canadian geese, 2 Gadwall. LAPWING HIDE; 2 Shelduck, 2 Lapwing, 2 Cormorants, 2 Greylag. SCRAPE HIDE; 2 Pochard, 4 Shelduck. RESERVE; Tufted d
22 March 2013
Sundays sightings
RESERVE; Buzzard, Peregrine, Mute swan, Mallard, Tufted duck, Grey lag geese, Moorhen, Coot, Water rail, Snipe, Jackdaws, Magpie, Wood pigeon, Pheasant, Song Thrush, Robin, Blue/ Great/ Long Tailed tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Black headed, Herring & Co
17 March 2013
Sunshine birds
Walking round the reserve at the end of the day yesterday resulted in some stunning views of several species in glorious late afternoon sunshine. First was a close encounter with one of the local Red Kites which circled low over the reedbed showing its pl
14 March 2013