The Warblers that are now back 

• Chiffchaff - these have been back since early March.
• Willow warbler - looks like a chiffchaff but has a different song.  Currently one is singing well by the Double Decker hide
• Blackcap - these are everywhere at the moment.
• whitethroat - check the area at the start of Sayer's breck (Red) trail.
• Lesser whitethroat - the same area at the start of Sayer's Breck trail.
• Sedge warblers - in and around reedbeds are best
• Reed warbler - listen around the reedbeds too.

Other birds to listen for

• Nightingales - at least three birds now singing around the reserve. Best in the morning or evening.  Our nightingale week is from Wednesday 27th April to Wednesday 4th May.  The reserve will be open late those nights until 8pm and we have special drop in evenings on Friday 29th April and Wednesday 4th May, when wildlife guides will be on hand to help you listen to these wonderful birds.  The centre will be open late on these special drop in evenings.
• Cuckoo - list out for them calling around the reserve.

Spring arrival sheet

We have been tracking the first date when these birds arrive at Lackford Lakes.  The last few days have seen hobby and common tern back at the lakes so we have almost completed our spring arrival sheet.  Only a few left to check in and these should be in the next few days.

There are many other birds to look out for right now at the lakes.

• Marsh harriers - There have been at least three birds around the reserve in recent weeks.
• Great crested grebes - head down the eastern lakes to see these amazing birds.
• Grey wagtails - check the wooded areas of the reserve near water and you might spot this smart bird.
• Little gulls - these have been popping in occasionally on the sailing lake so worth a check.
• Nuthatch - ash carr is the best location for these on the green trail
• Oystercatchers - are looking to nest on some of the islands on the slough or down on the eastern lakes.
• Kingfishers - fairly quiet still at Lackford but sightings coming from the eastern lakes so best to head that way.
• Woodpeckers - green woodpecker and great spotted woodpeckers have been showing well recently.
• Linnets - head over towards Sayers breck.
• Barn owl - occasionally seen hunting on Sayers breck.
• Shelducks - are very obvious on the lakes right now.

Butterflies

We have had a good start to spring with many sunny days so quite a few butterflies being seen around the reserve.  

Look out for orange tip, peacock, speckled wood, green-veined white, holly blue and small white.  

The next few weeks should see the emergence of many more butterflies.

Let us know what you have seen

Please let us know what you have seen when you next visit by adding your sightings to our book in the centre.  All records of all wildlife would be appreciated from birds to bees.