As we reach the end of another year, may I thank everyone who has participated in the management of the reserve and sent in their wildlife sightings so that I am able to produce this report.
Bird highlights have included Bittern in August, Great White Egret in August and December, Whooper Swan in March and October, Shelduck in April, Goosander in January and February, Marsh Harrier in March, April and September, Red Kite in May and June, Merlin in April, Hobby in June and August, Avocet in June and July, LRP in April and May, Ringed Plover in May, Woodcock in December, Curlew in March, Greenshank in April, Mediterranean Gull in October, Common Tern in June, July and August, Cuckoo from April to June, Whinchat in September, Stonechat in September, October and November, Wheatear in March, April and September.
It wasn't a great year, 111 species was less than average and well short of the all time record of 126 set in 1994.
23 species of butterfly included Painted Lady and Brown Argus. 15 species of Dragonfly included Willow Emerald and Black-tailed Skimmer, and 61 species of moths included Pine Carpet in September, which was new to the list.
