Spring has arrived on the reserve in the last few weeks. Willow warblers are singing across the reserve and we had our first tree pipits on the heath today. Woodlarks continue to sing across the reserve and several yellowhammers and linnet were heard singing. Other species seen on the heath include stonechats, raven, kestrel and green woodpecker.
The last week has been a good week for birds of prey, with a Peregrine being seen twice in the last few days. A sparrowhawk was seen displaying over the woods, a kestrel was hunting over the heath and 7 buzzards were on thermals at the weekend.
(Peregrine by Simon liningtons)
In the woods you may be lucky to see a lesser spotted woodpecker if you head down to the straight boardwalk, a male has been seen calling down there several times over the last few weeks. Other species you might see include lesser redpoll, siskin, bullfinch, treecreeper, goldcrest and marsh tit.
Brimstones can be seen across the heath and woodland due to our abundance of alder buckthorn at broadwater warren (one of the food plants), other butterflies include peacock, red admiral, comma and small tortoiseshell. The pond was also alive with noise, with over a hundred frogs and toads spawning on the edges. Unfortunately an American Mink (a non native invasive species) was seen near decoy pond, mink will predate not only the aquatic species found in the pond but also any ground nesting birds such as ducks or even the grey wagtails that nest on the pond. We are hoping to remove the mink as soon as possible.
(Toad Spawn by Matt Twydell)
Please let us know of any sightings you may have.
Matt