I am sorry I have not updated this list for what feels like forever. I have been extremely busy with work and life in general has been determined to get in the way
. I have (repeatedly) guessed Wright with when I would have enough time to finish this list but now, it is to some extent down (with just a few Inverts needing identification). Finally, onto the list:
March,
WWT London, 16th
Despite raining for most of the day, I thought it was a nice session of bird watching. I managed to pick out some nice species amongst the reed beds including a bittern, a personal favourite (but you can’t beat a snipe).
Birds
96. Cetti's Warbler, (Cettia cetti)
97. Sand Martin, (Riparia riparia)
98. Bearded Reedling, (Panurus biarmicus)
99.
Eurasian Bittern, (Botaurus stellaris)
Inverts
7. Common Brimstone, (Gonepteryx rhamni)
8. European Peacock, (Aglais io)
April,
WWT London, 2nd
The weather, like usual, was rain but after lunch, it cleared up enough that I could spot a nice group of birds to add to the list.
Birds
100. Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
101. Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
102. Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)
103. Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
104. Coal Tit, (Periparus ater)
105. Eurasian Nuthatch, (Sitta europaea)
Mammals
5. Brown Rat, (Rattus norvegicus)
Langford Lakes, 6th
On the Train ride up, as I had a break from my laptop, I spotted a slightly confused pair of Roe Deer near the line. Langford Lakes, this must be one of the most pleasant sites in Wiltshire. Despite heavy flooding (to the point where the islands in front of the Hide being completely gone) meaning that my chance in getting a couple more waders was almost impossible, I managed to see some other birds. Just after setting up, a flock of about 60 Teal sprung from the reed into the sky and after them, a most majestic female Hen Harrier. A truly beautiful scene (well maybe not for the Teal

).
Birds
106. Common Chaffinch, (Fringilla coelebs)
107. Barn Swallow, (Hirundo rustica)
108. Peregrine Falcon, (Falco peregrinus)
109. Common House Martin, (Delichon urbicum)
110. Hen Harrier, (Circus cyaneus)
111. Common Linnet, (Linaria cannabina)
Mammals
6. European Roe Deer, (Capreolus capreolus)
7. Reeves's Muntjac, (Muntiacus reevesi)
Local Reserve, 13th
Only slight wind is what I could complain about on this day. I checked out the days log book where it supposedly said that a pair of Greenshank had been spotted along with a Little Ringed Plover (possibly the individual I mistook for a Ringed). I managed to spot both species and this was the first time I had seen Greenshank at this site.
Birds
112. Common Greenshank, (Tringa nebularia)
Amphibians
2. Palmate Newt, (Lissotriton helveticus)
WWT London, 28th
The weather seems to never favour me on these visits. My view from the Peacock Tower was completely blocked due to the force at which the wind blew. I had come to see if I could spot the reported Tern which had arrived but I had no luck (I’ll most likely try again soon). A group of cattle were on the Grazing Marsh, closely follow by a small group of Yellow Wagtail. From Wildside, I managed to see a female G.C Grebe on her nest with 4 eggs clustered around her feet.
Birds
113. Green Sandpiper, (Tringa ochropus)
114. Common Sandpiper, (Actitis hypoleucos)
115. Yellow Wagtail, (Motacilla flava)
116. Wheatear, (Oenanthe oenanthe)
117. Common Reed Warbler, (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)
That was long,
Other Inverts List coming out soon…
Total Species: 134
Birds: 117
Mammals: 7
Amphibians: 2
Invertebrates: 8