January, 2011

From the marshland viewpoint this afternoon:

400 wildfowl on the two reservoirs, the majority of which were Teal, Wigeon and Gadwall but with several dozen of both Mallard and Shoveler. 200 or so Lapwing could be seen feeding in the muddy field a 100 yards or so behind the reservoir.

thanks to Les Edwins, resident volunteer, for this information

Gordon Allison had a phone call from Chris Gibbard on Sunday evening. He'd been to Northward Hill and had seen 28 white-fronts, a marsh harrier & a peregrine from the marshland viewpoint and had then gone down Decoy Hill Lane for dusk, when he had 20 woodcock coming out of the reserve (his best total ever at Northward Hill), a buzzard coming in to roost and a calling tawny owl.

thanks Chris (and Gordon for passing this on)

One of the wardens spotted a Bittern flying between reed-vegetated ditches today (11th)

Although seen on a private area of the nature reserve it might be attracted to more extensive reeds on the lagoon below the marshland viewpoint...fingers crossed!

Sightings from the Marsh viewpoint at Northward Hill on Tuesday 4th January 2011:

White Fronted Goose 85
Bean Goose 1
Greylag Goose 23
Widgeon 600
Teal 60
Gadwall 14
Shoveller 2
Mallard 6
Black Tailed Godwit 8
Lapwing 350
Golden Plover 20
Dunlin 50

Thanks to Les Edwins for these sightings