Recent Sightings 4th - 10th December
Redwing, Lapwing, Pochard, Bullfinches
British Steel Hide
Spoonbills are frequent to the Southern most parts of the Saline Lagoon often venturing out to feed where they've had to navigate through the large flocks of Lapwing that gather there on a daily basis. Given the UK conservation status' of both these species being Amber and Red respectively, it is a treat to see them together through the same lens.
Beyond the reserve over the Gower Estuary, a Great Northern Diver on the morning of the 10th. It was a fleeting sight but it was spotted flying Eastwards up the Estuary itself. These birds are extremely difficult to spot but are Winter visitors off the coasts of the British Isles before most return upwards to to their breeding grounds near Iceland.
Millennium Wetlands
Small numbers of lapwing have been sheltering on the Deep Water Lake island from the storm this week, accompanied by the Pochard who have a small but consistent number. They're more often seen outside the front of the Peter Scott hide in the early mornings and their elegant appearance makes them quite a striking photographic subject but be quick, because they're diving ducks.
The Redwings have been all over the reserve this week in the Wetlands, near the visitor centre, in the grounds, and frequenting the hedges outside of the Herons Wing hide making the most of their Winter Homes.
On the quieter ends of the reserve mainly on the Southern Loop, you may spot a small flock of Bullfinches accompanied by the song of Goldcrests in the trees besides them and chattering charms of local Goldfinches in large flocks.
