Reserve sightings

Hadnt realized that there had been no updates on here since the beginning of the new year! Sorry! Theres been a few ducks on the main pond, Tufted, Gadwall and Shoveler in the past week. The reserve saw its share of the thrushes during the recent cold snap with plenty of Redwings and Fieldfares. The fields opposite the main road (not specifically on the reserve but of note) have held good numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover and a Water Rail was in the sewage works opposite the reserve entrance. The 24th (today) saw six pale-bellied brent geese on the reserve. These birds appear to have navigated the entire west cornwall coast having been seen earlier flying past Marazion, Penzance, Pendeen and then at St Gothian! Thanks to Derek and Tim for recent sightings.

Happy New Year.

The start of a new decade! Where does the time go? Anyway there hasn't been a great deal to blog about on the reserve at the end of 2009. Just the usual. So a possible Glaucous Gull flying east past nearby Godrevy Head was a promising start to 2010. A Black Redstart and Med Gull were on the reserve on the 1st (Thanks A.George). The former seen on the fence between the reserve and the road.

Recent ('ish!) Sightings

The 18th September saw three Dunlin, a Snipe, six Wheatear, Reed Bunting, ten Swallow and nine Wigeon on the reserve.
On the 10th October Tim Twiggs found a male LAPLAND BUNTING on the reserve, It proved very elusive and mobile, favouring the island in the middle of the main pool. There was also a smart 2nd winter Med Gull on the main pool at the same time.

Derek Jenkins had two adult WHOOPER SWANS on the main pool on the 9th November and they were present the following day.

Apologies for the lack of recent updates, and thanks for those who have sent in sightings. Anything of real interest is on the Cornwall Birding website. Derek Jenkins, Tim Twiggs, John Johns and i have all been on the reserve but not recorded a great deal other than the odd Dunlin, Greenshank and Wheatear. Tim had a juv Little Stint on Sunday 4th October feeding on floating weed on the main pool.

Will hopefully have some photos to add!

Still on the quiet side..............

Still quiet on the reserve at the moment with nothing but the odd Dunlin and Green and Common Sandpipers. Simon Taylor saw six Wheatears there today.

Waders

Terry Hasdell reports three Dunlin on the reserve this morning. Good to see the waders are starting to come back.

Recent Stuff

Here are a few photos taken over the last week on the reserve. There seems to have been a bit of a baby boom on the ponds with new broods of Moorhen, Mallard and Shelduck. Rock Pipits were catching insects on the reedy pond and taking them off towards Godrevy to feed young and there were plenty of young Sand Martins on the wire fences.

Linnet

Rock Pipit (above and below)

Rock Pipit

Sand Martin

1st June 2009

A quick hour round the reserve this morning in the glorious sunshine. Plenty of breeding activity with a brood of seven Shelduck on the main pool and a single Moorhen chick on the small pool with the now healthy looking reed bed. The female mallard seems to have had another brood too. The morning was complete when a Marsh Harrier scattered the gulls from the main pool and flew off high to east.

Wednesday 13th May 2009

An hour on the reserve with Mark Halliday proved dividends this morning when a RED KITE flew over headed south along the Red River valley. The main pool was alive with hirundines with over 100 each of House and Sand Martins, 30+ Swallows and c100 Swifts. The Dunlin did a loop of the main pool and there seemed to be a few more Linnets around. Two Rock Pipits were on the small pool but there was no sign of yesterdays Garganey. Could be good for Terns this weekend.

Tuesday 12th May 2009

Finally reached the 100 mark with a superb male Garganey on the reserve this evening. It was reported on the pager earlier in the day and was still there at 1715hrs, on the north-eastern pool, initially showing well but then elusive amongst the sedge. Species 101 was House Martin over the main pool (3 birds). Only other birds of note were two Whimbrel flying around and a Dunlin on the main pool. The Whitethroat was still looking for a mate near the entrance gate!