While the weather may have changed considerably from milder conditions to sub-zero temperatures with snow and ice in recent weeks, the variety of birds around the reserve has remained fairly consistent with a nice selection of winter species present.
Two female long-tailed ducks both remained up until 17/11, when the first bird left, which had been present for just over a month since 13/10. The remaining bird which arrived on 7/11 stayed up until 23/11 and was then absent for nearly a week, making a reappearance on 29/11 and has remained since. A female scaup which was first seen on 8/11 has also been present throughout the period. Other wildfowl of interest has included a drake common scoter on the deep lagoon on 20/11, a single whooper swan seen flying over the reserve on 6/12, and three pintail on the estuary on 8/12. Up to five pochard have also been present among the more common wildfowl species, along with small numbers of goosander and red-breasted merganser.
Notable waders included spotted redshank with individuals seen on 27/11, 6/12, 9/12 and 11/12, greenshank with one on 20/11, five on 9/12 and 4 on 11/12, individual ringed plover on 12/11 and 16/12, and small numbers of black-tailed godwit with a maximum of four on 8/12. Woodcock were noted on 14/11, 19/11 and 15/12, while snipe have been present in reasonable numbers with 23 counted during the monthly WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) on 11/12, when 180 lapwing were also recorded.
Other water birds of interest have included two great white egret on 19/11 and 1/12, a kingfisher on 7/12, regular water rail, and another unseasonal re-appearance from the arctic tern from 13/11 to 14/11 which had been present at the beginning of the month.
Once again Firecrest have put in several appearances with sightings on five different dates including two birds on 8/12 (library photo by Mike Nesbitt). Various other passerines which are typical of the winter season have also been present including regular siskin with a flock of 25 birds on 13/12, and individual lesser redpoll on 6/12 and 9/12. Flocks of bullfinches and long-tailed tits are a daily occurrence at this time of year, and redwings have also been seen regularly.
A tawny owl over the reserve at dusk on 14/11 was particularly notable, as was a treecreeper on 22/11 and two crossbill over on 10/12.