The last few weeks have been rather cold here at Newport Wetlands, but today something was a little different. Before heading out over the last week most people, including myself, were bundled up in multiple layers for a brisk walk. But today has been a lovely sunny day and everyone has been thoroughly enjoying it. There is something a little magical about a long period of cold followed by a warm day. If nothing else we have had many visitors today who had never been before and came purely because they didn’t want to be inside on a lovely day. While we are enjoying the warmth, I think the birds are definitely enjoying it most of all. They have been especially vocal and the robin in the car park is back to greeting visitors! The sudden change in weather reminded me of a poem I’d heard, which I’ve managed to find and included an excerpt below.
“As winter turns the corner And spring is on the way I wait with mounting happiness To see what comes today. I also love the cold days With frost upon the sill But something special happens Once winter's had its fill.”
Marilyn Lott
Fingers crossed there will be a lot more of this to come!
Recent sightings 25/02 – 02/03
Avocet, Bearded reedling, Blackbird, Blue tit, Canada goose, Carrion crow, Cetti's warbler, Chaffinch, Coot, Curlew, Gadwall, Goldfinch, Great spotted woodpecker, Great tit, Greenfinch, Grey heron, House sparrow, Little grebe, Long-tailed tit, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute swan, Oystercatcher, Pheasant, Pied wagtail, Pochard, Reed bunting, Ringed plover, Robin, Shelduck, Snipe, Song thrush, Starling, Stonechat, Teal, Tufted duck, Water rail, Woodpigeon, Wren,
Please note that we take our recent sightings list from the visitor sightings board that anyone can contribute to. This is great as everyone can get involved, but obviously can lead to potential errors too as they aren’t always verified! We try to keep this list as accurate as possible but if you see something unusual feel free to comment here!