Winter is coming gradually to Longham Lakes. Here’s what has been seen in the last week or two, beginning with today:
19th November
George Green reports: 1 Goldeneye female, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Lesser Redpoll heard overhead. Wildfowl increasing.
18th November
The Wetland Bird Survey (WEBS) count revealed the following numbers for the site: Mute Swan 43, Canada Goose 2, Mallard 16, Gadwall 6, Wigeon 7, Teal 6, Shoveler 1, Tufted Duck 108, Pochard 4, Goldeneye 1, Little Grebe 11, Great Crested Grebe 23, Cormorant 28, Grey Heron 4, Little Egret 3, Coot 70, Moorhen 1, Black-headed Gull 170, Herring Gull 8, Lesser Black-backed Gull 2, Common Gull 2 and Kingfisher 3. Also 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel and 1 Peregrine about (Trevor Thorpe).
17th November
Chris Parnell: “Good views of Water Rail (only my third site sight record) on Longham Reservoir North, plus Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and a single Pochard this morning.”
14th November
Trevor Thorpe: “It was very quiet bird wise, but a Red Admiral and a Speckled Wood were on the wing.I also noted a Honey Bee nest in a hollow in an oak tree in the wood.They were surprisingly active for this late date with lots coming and going.The returning bees seemed to be well laden with pollen so they must still be finding flowers to forage on.”
On the same day, Pat and Dave Harris reported, among other things, Stonechat, Cetti’s Warbler, Kingfisher 2, Teal and Water Rail (heard).