September Sighting

Two goosander appeared (8^th.) marking the return of this wintering species to the reserve, these should be followed by many more. Small numbers of snipe, wigeon and teal have also returned. Good numbers of lapwing have also been moving in with a count of 116 (4^th.).

 Remnants of the summer visitors could still be seen including several warblers, such as lesser whitethroat, chiffchaff, blackcap with young and willow warbler near the marsh screen. Also hobby, wheatear and mixed flocks of house and sand martin together with some swallows. The last swift was recorded on the 7^th.

 Other interesting sightings were black-tailed godwit, common sandpiper, willow tit, 4 grey wagtail, jay, green woodpecker, reed bunting, long-tailed tit and  kingfisher. Finches were much in evidence with goldfinch, greenfinch, chaffinch and bullfinch

 Among the large flock of black-headed gulls the more eagle-eyed bird watchers were able to pick out a winter plumaged Mediterranean gull. Other water birds around the lake included 12 gadwall, 8 pochard, 14 shoveler, numerous tufted, as well as several grey heron, great-crested and little grebe, both with juveniles, 7 cormorant, and a water rail.

 Buzzard, kestrel and sparrowhawk were also daily sightings.

 Thanks to Colin Sedgwick for compiling this report