Warnham LNR - Winter Birds

Goldcrest - J. Wilks

With a break in the weather and some lovely sunny conditions the newly appointed chairman of the Friends of Warnham LNR John Wilks had an enjoyable visit with plenty of birds seen. Above is a stunning picture of one of the Goldcrests which seem to be all over the reserve at the moment. Finally it seems some of the regular winter visitors have arrived in numbers.

Long-tailed Tit - J. Wilks

The Long-tailed Tit flock has attracted it's usual range of associates such as Treecreepers, Goldcrests and Marsh Tits all of which can be seen feeding and calling usually around the Willow Carr area. Elsewhere around the reserve the water levels are finally dropping, though as I type it is raining outside my office door! Tufted Duck numbers are still on the increase with regularly over 25 being seen most mornings with several Pochard and Shoveler being noted too.

Kingfisher - J. Wilks

The adult Kingfishers have again been very active and John managed to capture a brilliant piece of behaviour not from the Kingfishers but from the fry the birds were feeding on. Below are a series of photos which show the adult female fishing. In the first picture as she splashes into the water you can see the small fish all jump clear of the water! Amazing shots John, well done.