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Recent sightings  

Updated 29th June 2008

 

 

Recent Highlights

2 Mediterranean Gulls, Lagoon 1 (daily from 20/6). Drake Scaup, Lagoon 1 (daily from 24/6). Little Egret, South Arm I (24/6). 2  Little Tern, North Arm;  Marsh Harrier, Lagoon 1; 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, Lagoon 3 (22/6). Garganey, Harrier hide (10/6). Female Common Scoter, South Arm II (4/5). MARSH SANDPIPER, Lagoon 1 (27/5-31/5). STILT SANDPIPER, Harrier hide until 15:00 when it flew off north-west (27/5). This was the first record of this North American species in the UK since 2006. Several Fulmars present in late May with two together on 26/5.

Wildfowl, Waders, Gulls and Terns

The May wildfowl count included 69 Shelduck, 111 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 456 Mallard,17 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 168 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebes, 94 Great-crested Grebes, 226 Cormorants, 54 Moorhen, 303 Coot

4 Ruddy Shelducks flew over Lagoon 1 (24/6).

Water Rails breeding in area in front of Waderscrape hide—six chicks seen in early June.

The lagoons are the best area to look for waders. Recent sightings include  Redshank, Oystercatcher, Little-ringed Plover, Ringed Plover (11 on Lagoon 3 on 21/6), Dunlin, Curlew (10 on 23/6), Black-tailed Godwit (14 on 28/6), Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper. 2 Bar-tailed Godwits at Barnsdale (20/6) with 1 there on 24/6.

Up to 40 pairs of Common Terns breeding on the lagoons. Small numbers of Arctic Terns seen daily until early May, with 80 on 23/4. Small numbers of passage Black Terns also regular in late April/early May with 55+ on 4/5, with two late birds in South Arm III (21/5).

Raptors and Owls

A pair of Ospreys are present at their nest in Manton Bay - sadly it seems that the chicks have failed to hatch. Despite this excellent views of the adults birds are possible from Waderscrape hide. Another male is also holding territory on the Lyndon reserve. Hobbies now regularly seen, with up to six around the reserve most days. Red Kites and Buzzards also seen daily. Barn Owl regularly seen from Lyndon centre and Heron hide.

Passerines

Crossbill flew over Syke’s Lane (24/6) and over Lax Hill (28/6). Over 100 pairs of Sand Martins breeding in artificial bank on Lagoon 2. Summer migrants widespread, with a count of 89 singing Garden Warblers on 21/5. Turtle Doves widespread around the reserve, with the wires above the meadows on the Lyndon reserve very reliable. Grasshopper Warblers can be heard singing near Fieldfare hide. At least three singing Nightingales on the Lyndon reserve, with one bird often singing out in the open near Swan hide.  The first Spotted Flycatcher was seen near Mallard hide on 3/5. Tree Sparrows may be seen anywhere around the reserve, but feeders at the Lyndon centre often very reliable.

Other Wildlife  

Stoats regularly seen at Lyndon centre. Mother Shipton moth and Clouded Yellow butterfly seen in meadows at Lyndon recently.

Latest bird records can also be obtained by phoning the Visitor Centre, 01572-770651,
or for all the most recent sightings in Rutland and Leicestershire please visit the LROS website.