The reserve has been a great place to see woodcock this week with sightings close to the visitor centre on most days. Water rails are still showing really well and can be seen regularly at the duck and swan feeding station and also around the bird feeders at Pickup hide. Long tailed tits have been seen in small flocks at most of the feeding stations. Willow tits and bullfinches are also regular visitors to the seed feeders. Despite the Arctic temperature kingfishers seem to be fairing well at the screen with lots of sightings of them fishing in the small area of free flowing water.
We held two successful long eared owl safaris on Monday with one owl being present close to the reeds all day. The afternoon trip turned into a total owl fest with a barn owl displaying well along Lin Dike and a little owl perched in a tree along Newton lane. Look out for more dates for the Long-Eared Owl safaris in the new year.
Waxwings are also being seen in the area as the invasion continues. Up to 200 were seen in both the Swillington and Allerton Bywater areas.
A very happy christmas from everyone at the reserve.