RXwildlife Sightings

If you haven’t been able to get out recently to enjoy the snowy countryside and wildlife here is a slideshow from recent days. The button at bottom right will make it full screen.

Sadly, after last night’s heavy snow the reserve is still closed. For up-to-date information over the weekend please call the Visitor Centre on 01797 320588.

Good numbers of waterfowl on Long Pit late morning, concentrated by the freezing conditons. The bulk were made up of around 300 Wigeon and 120 Teal, with smaller numbers of Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Gadwall and Mallard. Highlights were 10 Bewick’s Swan which landed briefly before flying off to the east, three Smew (including one drake), a pair of Goldeneye and four Pintail. In addition, at least three Marsh Harrier were hunting along the northern margins of the pit, with one more bird over Harbour Farm.

Tufted Duck

Although still tricky to get around, the picture below was taken from the doorway of Crittall Hide, highlights this morning included 2 redhead Smew, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Pintail, 60 Teal and a Spotted Redshank at Ternery Pool, a Merlin gave great views perched at the Wader Pool and at least 600 Golden Plover, 400 Lapwing and 70 Skylark were present on Harbour Farm at day break.