Warnham LNR

Mandarin - Displaying

The reserve continues to get battered by a freezing cold north-easterly blow but the birds seem to know something us humans don't and have all begun displaying. This stunning male Mandarin (above) was displaying on the reserve today. As well as drumming Great-spotted Woodpecker and Dunnock, Blue Tit and Robin all getting very territorial.

Chiffchaff - 1st Boardwalk

Over the last couple of weeks we have been starting to get Chiffchaffs arriving from their African wintering grounds. The best place to see them from at the moment is the boardwalk bridge between Mill Meadow and the Woodpecker Hide. They seem to be finding enough insect-life on the typha swamp either side of the boardwalk bridge.

Mediterranean Gull - Displaying

When I arrived at the reserve this morning I immediately heard the distinctive 'meowing' of the Mediterranean Gull. Soon enough I managed to locate the culprit who was displaying to his mate. They are very smart birds at this time of year and are well worth keeping an eye out for in amongst the Common and Black-headed Gulls. They stayed for a good wash and drink, then headed back towards the tip. Sadly there was no sign of the Jack Snipe from the Tern Hide all day, though 2 Pied Wagtails and 2 Grey Wagtails were frequent visitors.