For maybe the first time, water levels at Langford are currently at their winter optimum of 4m AOD. Levels vary throughout the year and it's also good to have some variation from year to year, but in general we aim to mimic natural, seasonal fluctuations. This means high water in winter and lower water at the end of the summer (down to about 3m AOD). This is the first time I've seen water under the boardwalk and it's great to see the reedbed islands which normally stand proud of the water, being completely covered and giving us lots of prime wet reedbed habitat. The only concern now is that we can drop the water levels in time to give the reed seedlings planted out last year (and which are currently heavily submerged) a chance to grow.
It's that time of the month again when the regular Wetland Bird Survey is carried out. Stuart and Tony were joined by a second team of WeBS counters (Julie, John & Graham) at the weekend as the addition of the newly restored Phase 3 part of the site has added a lot more walking and counting to the job.
Combined bird totals were:
Coot
124
Tufted duck
94
Mallard
43
Cormorant
11
Great crested grebe
2
Moorhen
Mute swan
33
Shelduck
13
Teal
87
Herring gull
3
Blackheaded gull
353
Common gull
91
Great black backed gull
4
Gadwall
46
Black-tailed godwit
1
Oystercatcher
Goldeneye
10
Canada goose
112
Greylag goose
16
Pochard
Grey heron
Lapwing
19
Ringed plover
Green sandpiper
Wigeon
83
Shoveler
There's lots of other great wildlife on site at the moment and whilst checking on the Phase 3 restoration work yesterday I saw; 5 hares, a fox, 3 roe deer, kestrels, a marsh harrier, barn owl and 3 stone chats. There was also a Cetti's warbler and a water rail calling from in front of the Beach Hut.
Photo below of a beautiful hovering kestrel taken by Stuart Carlton.