Recent sightings

Now that February is here we are expecting the reedbed-nesting Grey Herons to start nest-building any day but at the moment we are grateful the cold weather seems to be delaying this, enabling us to continue with our winter reedbed management across the site - mostly clearing invasive willow scrub.

There have been up to four Bitterns this winter but only one appears to be seen regularly at present. Wildfowl numbers have not been particularly high with Teal peaking at around 60 and Mallard 26 birds. A similar number of Moorhens (27) and one solitary Coot are also here but if the weather turns colder we would expect more. On the passerine-front, winter thrushes have been in very low numbers. Cetti's warblers are starting to sing again and we have half a dozen wintering Chiffchaffs using the reedbeds as is typical at this time of year.

If you are planning a visit, don't forget the Bay. There have been a number of Great Northern Divers on the sea, one of which took flight and flew off inland right over the marsh last week. To the east of the town a number of Red and Black-throated Divers have been present in "Little London" and yesterday I saw four Black Redstarts sheltering from the cold north-wester on the boulders nearer Penzance.  Two of these were in beautiful adult male plumage.

For daily updates on bird sightings in general at a county level (and here in particular) don't forget to check the 'Recent Sightings' page on the local birding website: www.cbwps.org.uk

Good birding!