Remember back in October when I suggested we could have heard the last chiffchaff song of the year? Well not quite... December 1st a chiffchaff was heard singing at the far end of the reserve near Hickson’s pool! If you hear any more this year, please do let us know.
Chiffchaff, John Bridges (rspb-images.com)
There have been several goldeneye spotted on the reserve this week. They’re not a particularly uncommon winter sighting in the UK but they are a weird and wonderful duck. Probably the most notable thing is that they nest in trees in the large cavities made by broken limbs, and on the continent, black woodpeckers. The majority of those that flock to our shores in winter breed in coniferous forests of Northern Europe, there is however, a small breeding population in the pine forests of northern Scotland where nest boxes have been a successful substitute for natural nest sites. Look out for that domed head, white cheek and piercing golden eye, it could well be that you’re looking at one of those rare Scottish goldeneye off on its winter holidays.
Goldeneye, Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)
Lesser redpoll sightings have been gaining momentum and this week a flock of around 40 was reported on the riverbank trail near to main bay. A small finch, lesser redpoll can be seen in the UK all year round but they are easier to spot in bare winter trees, and they particularly love to munch on the seeds of birch and alder trees.
Shelduck, Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)
If you’re out and about also keep an eye out for shelduck on main bay and village bay. Those cheeky snipe have been showing up again at Pick-up, and at Lin Dike there are countless wigeon and few pintail slinking between them.