A mild autumn period has lead to a very slow build up of winter waders and wildfowl very noticeable is the small numbers of Brent Geese with a flock of less than a 500 over the last month. With a change in the weather the Wigeon and Teal are very prevalent at the present around the reserve.
Flock of Brent Geese
Over the period there has been a regular sight of some unusual winter visitor. Up to two Long Tailed Duck have been present in the harbour and offshore for over a month now, the first for a number of years. In recent days a small number of Velvet Scoter have been reported offshore. Other interesting sighting have included a Spoonbill, Black Necked Grebe and going under most people’s radar a couple of Egyptian Geese which leave the harbour at dawn. One controversial sight was that of a 1st winter Caspian Gull which invoked some discussion.
Spoonbill
Punitive 1st Winter Caspian Gull
Although, the night time temperatures dropping away mothing has been limited, but some have been attracted to the light around the building including the aptly named Winter Moth and Mottled Umber.
Winter Moth (above) and Mottled Umber (below)
Winter also has further pleasures
Low afternoon sun from Medmerry (above) and sunset over Ferry (below)
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon