The latest sightings report from Chris Johnston.
Time: 07:25-09:20
Weather: light cloud cover, calm, 9ºC-10ºC
Further signs of the reserve settling down for the late spring and summer in terms of birdlife although there was still a good deal of song this morning. 36 species were recorded in total.
- Flora Field hosted 1 Oystercatcher, a pair of Stock Doves and a Brown Hare. The Mallard duckling was still present on the small pool near the road.
- Two singing Blackcaps were in Pony Wood along with a singing Chiffchaff and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. A couple of Grey Squirrels were also seen.
- 6 Shelduck were seen over West Field on several different occasions, though they appeared reluctant to land anywhere. A Moorhen was in the field behind the pool and the male Whitethroat was again in very good voice right next to the path.
- Singing Chiffchaff and Blackcap were present in the orchard.
- 8 Long-tailed Tits were seen along the boardwalk near School Pond and the Cetti’s Warbler was heard again in Upper Sower Holme. Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Nuthatch were all heard in the trees either side of the Cromwell Road entrance.
- Along the canal, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Canada Goose and the male Gadwall were all on Ripley Field.
- Away from the birdlife, the hedgerows are looking splendid with Red Campion, Wood Forget-Me-Not, Cuckoo Flower and Herb Bennett among many spring flowers on show.