After periods of flooding in December and January, February got off to a relatively dry start. This didn't last long and despite some warm, sunny days that saw the year's first butterflies (Brimstones), the reserve was once again flooded for the majority of the month. Duck numbers remained high as they took advantage of all the newly created wetland habitat in fields along the river with large numbers of Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler and Pintail across the reserve. The highlight of the month was surely the large Black-tailed Godwit flock, numbering up to 2000 birds, that could regularly be seen in flooded fields on both sides of the river. Due to colour ring records of birds in the flock, we know that many are the same individuals that have spent time here in previous flood years as they winter in the UK before heading back to their Icelandic nesting grounds.
Black-tailed Godwits - Simon Freedman
With limited access throughout the month, fewer visitors were on site and sightings were down. Some good birds were nonetheless recorded: