The last few days have been busy with lots of sightings of our summer migrants. Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps, Wheatears and Yellow Wagtails have all been seen, along with a single Little Ringed Plover and the occasional swallow. A single Mediterranean Gull was seen yesterday on the flashes, along with a group of 12 Curlew and a large flock of Goldeneye.
A range of duck and wader species have been seen including; Teal, Goosander, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher and Redshank, along with Greylag Geese, Little Egret and an Avocet on the Flashes on Monday. There was also a group of 14 Whooper Swans seen heading North East on Friday, off to their summer breeding grounds.
A pair of Great Crested Grebes indulging in a courtship display on Friday, along with a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker in the staff car park yesterday, show that spring is definitely in the air.
A few special highlights over the past few days have been a flying Bittern, a shy bird these are usually heard but not seen. There has also been a Red Kite seen on 3 of the last 4 days, along with up to 9 Buzzards seen on Saturday.
Around the Visitor Centre there have been some great views of a male Reed Bunting, as well as up to 4 Bullfinches seen on most days, along with many Goldfinches, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Coal Tits and Tree Sparrows.
Other wildlife seen include 2 Roe Deer from the Bob Dickens Hide, a Jay seen from Redshale Road, a Treecreeper, Redpoll and Green Woodpecker seen flying across the reserve and the Kingfisher screen is living up to it’s name.