Hi,
I’ll begin with some late news of a Red Kite seen flying over the reserve on the 2nd. Red Kite re-introduction schemes have occurred in both Yorkshire and Gateshead however this species still remains an irregular visitor to Cleveland and is therefore certainly worth a special mention.
The Glossy Ibis was last sighted on the 3rd however we didn’t have to wait long for a new star attraction when a drake Green-Winged Teal was discovered from the Saltholme Pools Hide on the 4th. This North American duck can be distinguished from its European relatives via a white “shoulder strap”. Visitors may recall that Saltholme played host to a drake Green-Winged Teal January-March last year and there is high probability that this is the same individual.
The white 'shoulder strap' and lack of a white horizontal line across the body help identify this bird as a Green-Winged Teal. Many Thanks to Eric for this photograph taken from the Saltholme Pools Hide.
Bittern continue to be sighted on a frequent basis with the Haverton Viewpoint yet again providing the best opportunities for a sighting. Another reedbed dweller, the Water Rail, has become a lot more vocal over the past week as pairs begin to defend territories for the upcoming breeding season.
It was a good spell for gull watchers on the reserve with both Iceland Gull and Mediterranean Gull observed on Back Saltholme. Other interesting sightings from the Saltholme Pools Hide included, 12x Red-Breasted Merganser (2nd), 1600 Lapwing (3rd), 6x Knot (12th) and 5x Dunlin (12th).
The lack of black feathers in the wing help to separate this adult Mediterranean Gull from the commoner Black-headed Gull. Many Thanks to Ray Scott for this photograph.
Four Twite were picked out amongst 100 Goldfinch on the Wilderness Trail (10th), 9x Tree Sparrow could be observed from the Visitor Centre (3rd) and 2x Grey Partridge near the Haverton Viewpoint (4th).
100 Goldfinch were sighted on the Wilderness Trail. Many Thanks to Renton Charman for this photograph.
A smooth newt near the Haverton Gate was an excellent non-bird record for this period. Given the time of year and mild conditions it is likely that this individual was on route to its breeding pond.
Cheers,
Adam