Recent Sightings (10th-13th March)
British Steel Hide
Some really nice birds have been seen from the hide in the past few days, including two Avocets (13th), an adult Little Gull which was out on the estuary (11th), two Ruff, a very early White Wagtail (12th) (not to be confused with the 1st winter Pied Wagtail that frequents the scrapes), a male Merlin, two Spoonbills (12th) and a Spotted Redshank (11th). Wader counts include c.250 Black-tailed Godwits, 7 Greenshank, 6 Curlew, 213 Redshank and 5 Knot. There have also been 45 Greylag Geese, 5 Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Ducks, 3 Pochard, 5 Teal and still a strong flock of Wigeon (around 100).
Millennium Wetlands
It's finally spring! Our first singing Chiffchaffs of the year were heard on the 12th, and then three birds were singing on the 13th. A Great Egret was photographed by a visitor on the 13th, and a Hawfinch was still at the site entrance on the 12th. The Ring-necked Duck was present on Deep Water Lake up until the 11th. Wildfowl counts from Deep Water Lake include a drake Pintail and Wigeon, 9 Pochard, 10 Shoveler, 9 Shelduck, , 7 Coot, 7 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Ducks and 3 Little Grebes. Waders have included 8 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 242 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruff and 5 Knot. Other birds around the reserve included a Lesser Redpoll, a Siskin, 21 Redwing, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Ravens, a Grey Heron, Green Woodpecker, a Red Kite, a Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzards and 3 Goldcrests that were likely to be migrant birds.
Other Wildlife
A couple of Frogs have been seen recently, it's such a shame that they are such a rare sight on the reserve. A Common Lizard was found basking in the sun on the 13th. There are lots of Honey Bees and Bumblebees on the wing now and a Small Tortoiseshell was seen in the grounds.
