Warnham LNR

Grey Heron - Battle for the nests!

Finally a full day of lovely weather and everything seemed to jump in to life! The Grey Herons had been starting to show signs of nest building over the last week when they start to be seen in the middle of woods collecting sticks and leaves for their nests but today saw the unofficial start! On the edge of the millpond this afternoon 9 Grey Herons were all jostling for position for best fishing spot and best nest material.

Also on the nesting front the pair of Sparrowhawks continue to display over Millpond Plantation and on the nest cameras we caught Blue Tits prospecting at a couple of the boxes. The Robins also switched from their winter song this morning and Great Tit, Song Thrush and Dunnock were also in full voice.

Shoveler

On the millpond the wildfowl are taking advantage of the water levels being high and we had a big overnight increase in Tufted Duck numbers, from 25 yesterday to 43 this morning. I assumed they had come from Southwater Quarry but a quick look in there this morning and the numbers seemed to be about the same. Also in with the Tufted were three Pochard, two ducks and a drake. The male Shoveler is still pottering around with the 39 Mallards and a single drake Mandarin. Another report of a Brambling with the Chaffinch flock though I am yet to see it myself and a small increase in Lesser Redpoll and Reed Bunting numbers. Still only one Siskin though.