The ice has completely defrosted and we now have open water back on the reserve! This has brought the numbers of birds back up again with teal and wigeon very much in evidence in large numbers.
They have been sharing the pools with species such as pintail and goldeneye, with the latter of the two displaying with their superb head toss for his groupee's. The display of this attractive bird is one of my favourites as the drake throws his head backwards as he tries to attract a female.
Other sightings in the last week have included a barn owl viewed from Lilian's hide early morning on Wednesday by one of wardens Alasdair. Lilian's hide also seems to be the best vantage point at present for our marsh harriers, up to three of these magnificent raptors have been around. And sticking with the raptor theme, visitors were treated to a show from a peregrine falcon as it stooped to try and gather some lunch in front of public hide.
Our feeders have had a lot of attention following on from the big garden bird-watch last weekend and views have been good of the brambling as well as a group of four lesser redpoll's behind the feeding station. The more common woodland species have been frequenting our feeders too, and I was fortunate enough to hear the song of a chaffinch along the path to Lilian's, a further sign that perhaps despite the weather spring is approaching.
Other sightings have included a bittern from both Lilian's and public hide, whilst a great white egret was reported in our book from Tim Jackson hide, we haven't had one for over a month now so it will be interesting to see if it is seen again. The sightings of otter have decreased with only one sighting reported from lower hide early in the week.
So with a change in the weather and some very strong winds, there is certainly a chance of something being blown in from the sea, add to that the signs of spring starting to emerge, it all makes for an exciting start to February!!