I remember back in the winter of 2010-11, seeing my first smew at Langford – two redheads on the high level water carrier. On returning to the office, I was met with great excitement as I was informed that they were only the second record for the site since recording began in 1989.
Now however, smew seem to be annual on site, with individuals reliably turning up each winter – much to our delight! So I was very pleased when volunteer Graham Gamage found our first smew of this winter on the area south of the Cromwell Trail last Thursday. Again, two redheads, they were quite elusive, diving regularly, but could be seen well from the new viewing screen. I’ve seen smew across much of the site in previous years, so look out on Phase 1 and the silt lagoons as well as from the viewing screen and please let us know if you see any – we haven’t had a drake for a couple of years, that would be nice!
Also on site in the last week have been peregrine, up to 3 redshank, numerous goldeneye, pintail and we still continue to attract tree sparrows to the feeders on the eastern Cromwell Trail. These feeders are being very well used lately, with a flock of approximately 25 greenfinch, with reed bunting, yellowhammer, chaffinch and mixed tits congregated there today. Barn owl has been regular – lovely to see after they became scarcer on site in the last two winters. Look south from the new viewing screen or from the gate between the screen and the Beach Hut, they seem to like hunting alongside the northernmost silt lagoon and the grassland south of the Cromwell Trail.
A bittern was reported from the area north of the boardwalk last week, so do keep an eye open around here. And finally, a hint of spring….elder coming into leaf and snowdrops coming up in the woodland.
Redhead smew - can anyone find us a drake? Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)