Witches Oak Water by Vic Bevan

Witches Oak Water by Vic Bevan

Sedge warblers seem to have become quieter with only 3 heard.

Breeding is in full swing on the reserve. A count today yielded 4 Mallard broods of various ages, 1 Gadwall brood, 1 Coot brood, and a Canada Goose with a large young. In addition there were 2 Mute Swan, 2 Coot and 2 Great Crested Grebe on nests - Mute Swans and Great Crested Grebe in particular seem late this year. Water bird numbers were higher with 115 Mallard, and 37 Gadwall noted. 8 Grey Heron and 7 Little Egret were good counts for the summer period. Reed Warblers were still in full song with 20 counted, but Sedge Warblers seem to have become quieter with only 3 heard. There is extensive exposed mud on Lake 9 which attracted Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Common Tern (on the posts) and many of the herons previously mentioned.