This week we had a very exciting sighting at BWW. The first confirmed sighting of a Dartford Warbler since the rspb started managing the site this week, it was seen Tuesday and Wednesday this week north east of the crossroads in the heath. It seemed to be hanging around with a group of 5 stonechats, so keep your eyes peeled if you see any stonechats on the reserve!
Other species seen this month include large flocks of mixed thrushes. These continental arrivals have been seen in flocks of 100 or so and comprise of mainly fiedlfares, but also redwing, song and mistle thrushes. Woodlarks have been heard carrying out there territorial song on the heath in the last few weeks and flocks of meadow pipits can also be seen flitting around the heath.
A few yellowhammers have been seen near the shooting butts, but yellowhammers seem to desert Broadwater Warren in the winter though we are not sure where they vacate to. A woodcock was also seen near the crossroads this week. Kestrel, buzzards and sparrowhawks have all been seen on the reserve in the last week.
Flocks of tits have been seen throughout the wood, made up of long tailed, blue, coal and great tits as well as goldcrests, treecreepers and nuthatches. Groups of siskins have also been seen on the larches in he woodland and a grey wagtail was last seen on decoy pond last week
While carrying out habitat management on site this month i found a harvest mouse nest on the heath. Also found this month was the creature in the second picture, its actually a wingless moth. In some species the females are wingless and in this case the species in question is the vapourer moth,
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Please let us know of any sightings you may have on the reserve
Excellent news about the dartford warbler!