21 days into 2014 and we have already had some memorable wildlife moments. This round up begins with a summary of the monthly wetland bird survey (WeBs) undertaken over the weekend just gone. The most important news is once again Strathbeg comes up trumps with a wintering bittern, seen by the site manager Richard from Fen Hide on the 18th. Pink footed geese currently roosting on the reserve total 16,180. Plus at least 1 snow goose. The latest sighting of said snow goose was just this morning with pink footed geese on Starnafin pools (in front of visitor centre). There is currently a 2 (snow goose) bird theory: yesterday one white morph snow goose was seen early morning in the Rattray area, while another was seen on the low Ground until 8:10 and then in fields near Millhill until at least 10am. Other notable totals from the WeBs count include:
Curlew 393
Lapwing 40
Whooper swan 144
Wigeon 1220
Teal 480
Grey plover 11 (in lagoon/beach area)
Goldeneye 147
Scaup 2
Little egret 1
The Low Ground area in front of Tower hide is still the busiest area in terms of wildfowl. Most of the pink footed geese are lifting from here at dawn in spectacular style. However, be warned, if you want that “goose spectacular” at this time of year, you must get here early, by 7:30am to be on the safe side. The American wigeon was also seen on the Low ground on the 20th and 30 greylag were seen on the 17th. A visiting SOC member from Caithness also reported a great northern diver on the Savoch water (looking left from Tower hide) on the 15th, plus an unseasonal black-tailed godwit on the Low Ground.
The Little egret is still here as of this morning. It was perched on the edge of the Starnafin Island and I had a nice addition to the year list when 2 stock doves flew over the visitor centre on the 15th.
Otters sightings continue. Our new voluntary warden has a great start to her time here: she saw one on the Savoch Water on the 18th.
Rattray has seen some good sightings this week. Starting on the 16th with Glaucous gull, 3 pale bellied brent geese and a single snow goose. Our team of voluntary wardens had a trip down there on Friday 17th and saw a short eared owl and a covey of 6 Grey partridges. Finally on Saturday 18th a flock of 6 snow buntings were in the dunes.
Sadly, but not suprisingly, we don't have a library picture of any of the Strathbeg bitterns over the years. However, while searching I did find a nice aerial pic of the "bittern friendly ditch" created in the Savoch area. It's a nice summer shot too, with blue sky, perfect for this grey mid winter day..so that will do.