Observations

Nov – Dec 2015

The usual winter duck crowd was joined by a flyover male Goosander. Regular waders peaked at 114 Snipe, 8 Jack Snipe, 9 Green Sandpipers. The only unusual gull was a Mediterranean Gull present for a day.

The east coast influx of crests just about made it to RM with up to 10 Goldcrests and four records of Firecrest. Chiffchaffs were present throughout, with a maximum of at least 13. One wintering male Blackcap was also found.

Winter thrushes were more plentiful than usual with up to 60 Fieldfares and 25 Redwings on site. A pair of Stonechats stayed throughout, and at least two Water Pipits were regularly seen. There were up to 40 Chaffinches, 17 Siskins and 10 Lesser Redpolls.

Finally, a Brimstone butterfly makes it into our record books as our latest ever butterfly sighting on 19 Dec, thanks no doubt to the record-breaking mild December.