Another busy week is coming to an end and it seems we're never short of things to talk about.
One rarity has popped in this week - a Dusky Warbler, located on the footpath side of reserve. It could still be around having first been spotted on Sunday but again on Wednesday close to the junction that leads to the Avalon Hide. Try searching the scrub between here and that to the right of the 2nd platform. On both occasions it was seen within groups of other birds such as Chiffchaffs, Long Tailed Tits and Goldcrests so scan these groups.
Be careful though, there are also one or two Siberian Chiffchaffs around too (often amongst regular Chiffchaffs) - just to confuse things. You may have to bone up on the calls and the finer details to confirm your sightings.
Other highlights of the week include the appearance of a pair of Barn Owls sat outside their box distant (hence John Crispin's distant shot) from the 1st platform soaking up the December sun - a wonderful sight though.
The spells of December sun and the generally milder weather than usual has meant that there have been several sightings of Red Admiral butterflies this week. I've had several reports and even seen a few myself both along the rail path and the footpath. A Brimstone has also been reported. There have also been sightings of Iberian Water Frogs in the car park pools and Common Frog on the reserve, while many small mammals are also still active making the most of the mild conditions.
No Otter sightings reported this week - the first blank week for a while. It doesn't mean they are not around though as we still find plenty of evidence of their presence and the same can be said of badgers too. You can't help but notice the abundance of molehills around the trails too and there's always the chance of a Roe Deer sighting. One was very close to my vehicle as I drove along the side of the main drain on Monday. Anybody stood on the old rail bridge would of had a lovely view.
The Avalon Hide continues to be a popular place for birdwatchers and this week it seems that Bitterns have really played their part. There have been several sightings of birds in flight this week but also many sightings of birds on the ground.
Bittern - John Crispin
Bittern with something to say - John Crispin
Bittern blending in - John Crispin
A close look at the plumage on this bird shows just how well camouflaged they are and how well they can just disappear.
Another photographer John Crabb sent me this Bittern photo this week of a bird almost swimming or at least wading in very deep water. Thanks to both Johns for some brilliant pictures:
Bittern Going for a dip - John Crabb
Also from the Avalon Hide this week were 53 Canada Geese - there have also been large groups of Greylag Geese on the reserve this week - often seen in flight in the early mornings. Around 100 flew over the car park on Monday morning with around 30 Canada Geese for company. The hide has also been a good place to see Shoveler (14), Tufted Duck (12) and a few Mallard. The 2nd platform is the place to see Gadwalls - with good numbers there on Monday.
Kingfishers are a little more irregular here but always a welcome sight (although I did see 2 on Monday). This one perched on the rails to the left on the hide this week - another bird soaking up the December sun:
Early mornings are probably the best time to see Marsh Harriers with at least 3 different birds being seen regularly here. As staff and volunteers entered the north of the site on Thursday the first and second birds we saw were Marsh Harriers and they then headed over towards the hide. The next bird we saw was Great White Egret which are also a daily sight on the reserve. Amazing to think that a few years ago they weren't here at all. John Crispin photographed this one during the week!
Also this week: Jay in the car park this morning, Ravens (x2) flying over the car park on Monday, male & female Stonchats being seen regularly while staff cut reed with our machine, Buzzards daily, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Water Pipit seen in the area opposite the 2nd platform last Sunday, c30 Redpolls along the rail path trees, Chiffchaff in the wood by the Avalon Hide, groups of Lapwing seen from the 2nd platform and in flight daily and numerous sightings of Kestrel - including one in the car park on Monday and this individual taken along the old rail path close to the 1st platform:
Starlings have been split up a bit this week with a few smaller flocks reported earlier in the week. Perhaps the best vantage point to see them would be the 1st platform at the moment with birds dropping into Waltons giving good view and some have been dropping into Loxtons too. There have been some good show this week from what I've heard but it's worth giving the hotline a ring in case there's any drastic change 07866 554142
There are often volunteers on hand in the evenings to offer advice and answer questions should you need them.
That's it for this week - have a great weekend!