Wetland Bird Survey October 2024

Another record breaking count! With the highest ever number of greylag geese on the reserve... 1116!! This follows hot-on-the-heels of the recent record count (made a few days earlier) of Egyptian Geese... 52!! Not had confirmation yet, but that figure is likely to be the highest number ever recorded in the county. The ever increasing goose numbers confirm the importance of us protecting our developing reedbed with the temporary metal fencing that you may well have seen on site. We've also cut additional areas around the Phase 3 bank this year to provide grassy feeding areas, partially in an attempt to draw the geese away from the reed. A red-breasted merganser, which has been with us for a week now, became the first RBM to visit Langford since the mid-90's and also the first to be recorded on a WeBS. Signs of winter are quickly building, with duck numbers on the up, including goldeneye and pintail and flocks of whistling wigeon in abundance. Large groups of golden plover have been seen over the reserve, along with redwings feeding in the scrubby areas. Stonechats are being seen daily from the Seasonal Trail and bearded tits were heard for the first time this year on Sunday, pinging in the reed fringe. We've got our fingers-crossed for a dry winter so we can hold onto the beardies this year!

Red-breasted merganser photo taken by Stuart Carlton:

Reed planting - a key focus for the team throughout the summer months. Use of temporary fencing is essential to keep geese away from the seedlings whilst they establish. Volunteer focus has now shifted to the autumn task of removing willow from the reedbed.