Due to difficulties getting around the reserve this week due to the snow, sightings have been limited. However there were several notable sightings as detailed below:
Osprey: Highlight of the week (although I missed it!) seen on the 29th March. At least one, possibly two individuals.
Kingfisher: Seen briefly along the river below the dam on the 1st April.
Goshawk: Viewed and heard briefly on 4th April.
Raven: Present and displaying above the dam and RSPB shop. Also good views from the lakeside and centenary hides.
Buzzard: Regular sightings throughout the week, including 3 individuals displaying along the blue trail on 5th April.
Dipper: One sighted swimming on the river below the dam on 5th April.
Lesser Redpoll: One seen on the feeders this morning.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Increasing numbers with several drumming on trees around the shop.
Little Grebe: Great view right in front of the lakeside hide yesterday.
Tree Pipit: Spotted on the blue trail earlier today. The migrants are beginning to arrive!
In addition, there are good numbers of the usual finches and tit species on the feeders outside the shop and the Coed Y Capel hide. On the lake, there are now at least five Great Crested Grebes and two pairs of Goosander. With the weather starting to improve slowly and a forecast of southerly winds over the weekend, hopefully more of the summer migrants are not too far away.
Matt Heaver