Yesterday we had an absolutely gorgeous day here on the reserve. It was bright, still and reasonably warm as well! There were lots of birds flitting about, many people came back into the visitor centre saying how wonderful and enjoyable their walk was which was lovely to hear!

The long-eared owl has been spotted in the same place since Wednesday. Four red head smew have been seen on Burrowes pit now. A caspian and yellow-legged gull have been seen this week. Someone also saw a weasel on the reserve today too!

-

Highlights from this week include:

Bewick’s Swan – 2 at ARC on 23rd

Brent goose – 28 on Denge Marsh on 23rd

White-fronted goose – 3 at Denge Marsh on 23rd  

Smew – 4 redheads on Burrowes pit on 26th

Pintail – at Burrowes pit and ARC on 26th  

Goldeneye – 3 on Burrowes pit on 24th

Goosander – two female from Firth hide on 27th  

 

         

Little Egret – on Burrowes pit on 24th

Great white egret – New Diggings on 27th       

Bittern – 2 at Denge Marsh on 27th

 

Buzzard – over Boulderwall farm on 26th

Marsh harrier –  over ARC on 23rd

Hen Harrier – 1 over ARC on 22nd

Peregrine – 1 over Burrowes pit on 26th    

Merlin – one from Makepeace hide on 27th

Sparrowhawk – 1 over Burrowes Pit on 22nd

 

Sanderling – 15 on Burrowes pit on 21st

Water rail – at Scott hide on 27th     

Snipe – on Denge Marsh on 23rd

Redshank – on Denge Marsh on 23rd

Curlew – on Denge Marsh on 23rd

Avocet – 1 on Burrowes Pit on 22nd

 

Caspian Gull – 1 on Burrowes pit on 22nd

Yellow-legged gull – on the access track on 27th

Long-eared owl – roosting in willow on the far side of the dipping pond on 27th

 

Kingfisher – 2 by viewing ramp and 1 on Burrowes pit on 27th  

Great spotted Woodpecker – in visitor centre car park and at ARC on 23rd

 

House martin – over reserve on 22nd  

 

Chiffchaff – by visitor centre and at ARC on 23rd   

Goldcrest – at ARC on 23rd

 

Bearded tit – at Denge Marsh on 23rd   

Long tailed tit – ARC willow trail on 23rd  

 

Raven – by Denge Marsh on 23rd