Birds

We have now recorded 61 different types of birds.  There are still a few common ones that we expect to see added to this list over the next few days. Here is the full list of birds seen.

For a range of ducks like goldeneye, tufted duck, wigeon, gadwall check out the sailing lake, the slough and long reach.  Teal prefer the slough with several hundreds calling away on there (view between Pauls hide and Bernards hide).  Also, on the slough we have seen little egret, grey heron, snipe and the occasional green sandpiper.  Little grebes prefer Bess’s hide overlooking long reach.

One of the main highlights at this time of year is the flock of siskin feeding on the alder trees.  Two main areas to look or listen for these are around the raised pond at the beginning of the blue trail near the centre or by the path next to Hawker pool leading up to Bess’s hide.  You might also see a lesser redpoll with these flocks so worth looking carefully. 

Ash Carr is always worth a look by following the green trail.  Nuthatch are regular and you might see song thrush, treecreeper, marsh tit and great spotted woodpecker there.  For other small birds, it is always worth checking out the feeders at the centre – we are starting to see a few more birds coming in to feed here including reed bunting, chaffinch and bullfinch.

Birds of prey wise, we have seen buzzard, red kite and sparrowhawk around the reserve this week.

Gulls – I did a check during the middle of the week and there were quite a few gathering on the sailing lake between 3pm and 4pm.  This is a pre roost site before the move elsewhere to spend the night so worth checking during the last few hours of the day.

Mammals

Six types recorded during the first week of year – otter, bank vole, rabbit, grey squirrel, stoat and muntjac deer.  The otters were reported from the east lakes by following the green trail but could pop up anywhere.  Our stoats have been particular good around the centre / start of the red trail (Sayer’s breck) so worth spending a moment around these locations to see if you can spot one.

Butterfly

We have already seen a brimstone butterfly.  It popped out during the very mild patch on January 1^st so it is a bit of a strange sighting for the middle of winter.  There is always a chance of a butterfly during mild and sunny days.

Please let us know what you have seen around the reserve when you visit by popping into the centre and fill in our sightings book.  Perhaps you have seen something to add to our year list.