The WeBS count for February was postponed by a week, due to various storms and the fact the reserve almost flooded again. The river was literally starting to poke its soggy fingers over the top of the floodbank, sneaking through the grass. Another cm and we'd have suffered the same fate as we did during 2021 and 2020. As it is, we had a very lucky escape and I imagine the wildlife in the reedbed breathed a collective sigh of relief. The great northern diver is still on site and the goldeneye count was the second highest that we've ever had during a WeBS.
P1
P2
P3
Total
Gadwall
40
13
53
Goldeneye
2
4
25
31
Greylag goose
9
10
41
60
Canada goose
16
47
103
Mallard
20
22
Pochard
6
8
5
19
Shoveler
28
32
Teal
79
Tufted duck
50
120
91
261
Coot
42
87
Black-headed gull
33
Common gull
3
Cormorant
1
14
15
Great white egret
Little egret
Wigeon
214
Great northern diver
Great crested grebe
7
Little grebe
Lapwing
Pintail
Oystercatcher
Shelduck
Bittern
Moorhen
Canada/Greylag hybrid
Grey heron
Mute swan
This has already been mentioned, but apologies in advance for any congestion or delays you experience when visiting the reserve due to up-coming gas pipe works, powerline replacement works and tree cutting works... It's all happening at the same time!
The river, tickling the top of the floodbank along our western boundary (much like my hairline it has now receded!)...