Saturday 15th February: Warnham Nature Reserve

 We had a cracking day at the Warnham reserve today. We arrived shortly after opening time at 10AM, and had a leisurely wander around the reserve. We had a quick scan of the lake, but there was little of interest there, although we noted a Cormorant sat on a post had developed a white spot on its flank, indicating it was coming into breeding plumage, a welcome harbinger of spring. 

Reminding us that it was still winter, (although the temperature was making that very clear already!) a handful of Redwing were sat in the tree tops.

Around the feeders at Bullfinch hide, the main activity was from Blue and Great Tits, so we didn’t linger here. Arriving at Woodpecker Hide, we noted it was already very busy with both photographers and birds. On the ground Chaffinches were foraging and I quickly spotted a couple of Brambling, male and female, fly down to join them. That set the photographers off! The male was particularly striking, with black head fringed with grey, as is typical for the time of year as it moults into breeding plumage. As Tim said, he looked like an elderly man!

Brambling 

Reed Buntings were regular visitors, with the males again gradually acquiring their black heads and a Nuthatch darted back and forth to the feeder. A Marsh Tit also made a couple of brief appearances, and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers clung tenaciously to the feeder.

Before long a few Siskin appeared on the feeders, and a flock of diminutive, candy pink-tinged  Long-tailed Tits passed through.  After some time enjoying this hive of activity, we continued our walk, scanning the trees and listening intently for a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker which had been reported that morning. Sadly this failed to appear, but a pair of delightful Treecreepers entertained us with their secretive climbs up the tree trunks, and a noisy Wren foraged around the edges of a muddy pool in the alders. 

Siskin

Long-tailed Tit

Returning to Woodpecker Hide, we heard some Redpoll had been seen, but after a brief but fruitless watch, we headed to the cafe for some tea and cake. Revived by this refreshment, we returned to the hide and soon had excellent views of these colourful birds, together with many more Siskins. On the ground, a Redwing foraged amongst the leaves, and a frisky Pheasant chased a hen bird around the feeders, fluffing up his feathers and charging towards her, but she showed no interest, continuing to meander around the area searching for food. 

Redpoll

Both Brambling and Redpoll were new to our annual list, and Siskins are not found locally, so it had been a very satisfying visit.