All posts by Pete Smith

Bittern – 10th February

February 10, 2010Recent wildlife sightings10th february, 2010, Bittern, Deep PitPete Smith

At about 17.00 a Bittern was seen flying the length of the Deep Pit escorted by two or three Black-headed Gulls, before it crashed into the reed bed at the same point as it did two nights ago. PS.

Cetti’s Warbler – 9th February

February 9, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsCettis Warbler, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

A male Cetti’s Warbler was heard singing in the SE corner of the Slurry Lagoon today. PS.

Bittern – 8th February

February 8, 2010Recent wildlife sightings2010, 8th February, birds, Bittern, Deep Pit, water railPete Smith

At dusk the Bittern flew the length of the Deep Pit and crashed into a reed bed beside the northern end of the Causeway. Several Water Rail were heard calling. PS.

Little Egret – 5th February

February 5, 2010Recent wildlife sightings2010, 5th February, Little Egret, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

A Little Egret flew fairly high, NE across the Slurry Lagoon at dusk this evening. PS.

Woodcock – 4th February

February 4, 2010Recent wildlife sightings2010, 4th February, birds, Large Gravel Pit, Tufted Duck, WoodcockPete Smith

A Woodcock was seen this afternoon close to the Large Gravel Pit, where there were unusually high numbers of Tufted Duck present. The Tufted Duck/Pochard hybrid was also seen on the river. PS

Goosander – 27th January

January 27, 2010Recent wildlife sightings2010, 27th January, birds, Cettis Warbler, Goosander, Large Gravel Pit, Little Egret, peregrine, Slurry Lagoon, water rail, WigeonPete Smith

This afternoon a Peregrine flew from the river over the Large Gravel Pit, causing consternation amongst the Wigeon. Later a Little Egret was seen standing quietly in a corner of the same pit and towards dusk two male Goosander were also seen swimming and diving on the pit. A Cetti’s Warbler was heard calling from the Slurry Lagoon reed bed and several Water Rail were calling or seen at several parts of the site. PS.

Shelduck – 25th January

January 25, 2010Recent wildlife sightings2010, 25th January, birds, Shelduck, Slurry Lagoon, water railPete Smith

There were five Shelduck on the Slurry Lagoon this afternoon. There were also several Water Rail heard calling. PS.

Cetti’s Warbler – 23rd January

January 23, 2010Recent wildlife sightings2010, 23rd January, birds, Cetti's Warbler, Golden Plover, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

At last a Cetti’s Warbler has been heard again at the lagoons. It was heard in the reed bed on the east side of the Slurry Lagoon. Eight Golden Plover were also seen, flying over. RW.

Bittern – 19th January

January 19, 2010Recent wildlife sightings19th January, 2010, Bittern, Deep PitPete Smith

The Bittern was seen again this evening dropping into its normal reed bed to roost. PS.

Bittern – 17th January

January 17, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsbirds, Bitterns, Deep Pit, Golden-eye, Goosander, water rail, WoodcockPete Smith

A Bittern was seen again in the Deep Pit. It was giving good views, right out in the open, as did a Water Rail. Up to eight Golden-eye were also seen and eight Goosander flew over. Later a Woodcock was seen flying into the Deep Pit. PS.

There is an unconfirmed report of a Lesser Scaup being seen on the site today.