All posts by Pete Smith

Tawny Owl – 17th March

March 17, 2015Recent wildlife sightings17th March, 2015, Chiffchaff, Haven, Tawny OwlPete Smith

This afternoon a Tawny Owl was heard calling from the Haven, while three Chiffchaffs were seen in bushes close by. PS.

Jack Snipe – 16th March

March 16, 2015Recent wildlife sightings16th March, 2015, Jack Snipe, Oystercatcher, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

At about midday a Jack Snipe was seen flying into the NE corner of the Slurry Lagoon, where it landed on a raft of broken reeds. An Oystercatcher was also seen flying over and around the site. PS.

Peregrine – 1st March

March 1, 2015Recent wildlife sightings1st March, 2015, Buzzard, Coltsfoot, Green Sandpiper, lesser celandine, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, peregrine, Stonechat, Wader ScrapePete Smith

This morning there were three Little Egrets along the Ouse Dyke but no sign of the Green Sandpiper. A female Peregrine flew low, right through the Deep Pit and then up and over the signal box and a little later the male Peregrine was seen taking repeated stoops at a Buzzard. On the Wader Scrape the male Stonechat was still to be seen and the first Coltsfoot and Lesser Celandine flowers are now out. PS.

Stonechat – 22nd February

February 22, 2015Recent wildlife sightings2015, 22nd February, Chiffchaff, Green Sandpiper, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, Stonechat, Wader ScrapePete Smith

There were five Little Egrets together along the Ouse Dyke this morning. The Green Sandpiper was in its usual place and two Chiffchaffs were feeding together. On the hedge between the Wader Scrape and the bottom of the Deep Pit bank the male Stonechat was showing well. PS.

Barn Owl – 20th February

February 20, 2015Recent wildlife sightings2015, 20th February, Barn Owl, Shelduck, Slurry Lagoon, Wader ScrapePete Smith

This evening a Barn Owl was seen hunting over the Wader Scrape field, close to the freshly erected Barn Owl box. Let’s hope it noticed it. A Shelduck was briefly on the Slurry Lagoon. RW.

Green Sandpiper – 15th February

February 15, 2015Recent wildlife sightings15th February, 2015, Causeway, Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, kingfisher, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, Reed Bunting, water railPete Smith

The Green Sandpiper was in its usual spot again this morning, on the Ouse Dyke. There was also a Grey Wagtail, Water Rail, Kingfisher and Little Egret. The bird table at the end of the Causeway is attracting a good mixed flock, including six Reed Buntings. Please feel free to bring food to replenish the bird table. PS.

Stonechat – 8th February

February 8, 2015Recent wildlife sightings2015, 8th February, Chiffchaff, Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, kingfisher, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, peregrine, Stonechat, Wader Scrape, water railPete Smith

During this morning’s bird count the Ouse Dyke was again very productive, with Green Sandpiper, Little Egret, Chiffchaff, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and two Water Rails being seen. On the Wader Scrape a male Stonechat was spotted and a Peregrine flew over, along the pylons. More Water Rails were seen and heard and several Cetti’s Warblers were recorded. PS.

Green Sandpiper – 1st February

February 1, 2015Recent wildlife sightings1st February, 2015, Chiffchaff, Goldeneye, Green Sandpiper, Large Gravel Pit, Little Egret, Ouse DykePete Smith

The Green Sandpiper was again seen along the Ouse Dyke this morning, along with a Chiffchaff and a Little Egret. There were seven goldeneye on the Large Gravel Pit. PS

Green Sandpiper in the Ouse Dyke - Michael Wormall — Green Sandpiper in the Ouse Dyke – Michael Wormall

Green Sandpiper – 25th January

January 25, 2015Recent wildlife sightings2015, 25th January, Chiffchaff, Green Sandpiper, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, Stonechat, water railPete Smith

This morning, along the Ouse Dyke, the Green Sandpiper was seen on its usual patch of mud, there were also two Chiffchaffs, two Water Rails and two Little Egrets. On the bank of the Ouse Dyke, near the substation the male Stonechat was seen. PS.

Whooper Swan – 22nd January

January 22, 2015Recent wildlife sightings2015, 22nd January, Chiffchaff, Green Sandpiper, Stonechat, Whooper SwanPete Smith

This afternoon ten Whooper Swans flew over the reserve. They circled but decided not to land. There was a male and two female Stonechats near the new substation and the Green Sandpiper and a Chiffchaff were along the Ouse Dyke. RW.