Tophill Low NR-a little bit more

27/11/22 To understand my title best check the Tophill Low NR blog. Anyway Sunday morning I went to Tophill Low NR.

With the attitudes to the human pandemic relaxing we are now facing precautions against Bird Flu. The disease has been confirmed on site

Started in the D res members hide. Good numbers of wildfowl but couldn’t locate the Smew [last report I’m aware of was the previous Sunday but only yesterday’s records in the log book]. However I located a distance drake Goosander. My first since a pair over Cottingham on New Years Day and saving me a trip to East Park sometime.

Pied Wagtail on D res wall

Headed to North Marsh for my first visit since early this year.

The path through D Wood recently resurfaced.

I got to see the the new Middle hide mound and the ramp to it. Also had a Grey Wagtail. The hide erection is planned for March and the replacement for L-shaped hide [South Marsh West in the summer.]

Grey Wagtail feeding on the new Middle hide mound

The path still only goes as far as the North Marsh junction but at least the marsh is now viewable.

North Marsh

A Kingfisher had been seen intermittently and Water Rails were calling but didn’t stay long heading for the South Marshes instead. Checked O res on the way but nothing unusual.

Coot, Tufted Duck and Pochard on O res

Goats now grazing East Pond area

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Little Egret, Teal and Redshank on South Marsh East

The newly cut channel in the South Marsh West reedbed looked great for Bittern and wasn’t long before I saw one at the far end. Largely obscured and soon walked back into the reeds.

Bittern on South Marsh West

A Bittern had been booming during the closure in spring joined by a second bird which over-summered so probably the sites first breeding attempt. However mine was the first sighting since the reserve reopened. Water Rails were very vocal so it was no surprise when one emerged on a pile of dead reed near the front of the channel.

Water Rail on South Marsh West

Also had a Marsh Harrier hunting the river bank.

Moorhens on South Marsh West

Agonopterix alstromeriana-a micro moth-South Marsh West Hide

Decided not to walk Barmston Drain to view Watton NR.

28/11/22 Went to Tophill Low NR with Roy on Monday afternoon. Added Chiffchaff and Siskins in D Wood and a Jay calling near East Pond. No sign of the Goosander on D res.

Siskin in D Wood

The south end of the reserve will fully open from Saturday [3/12] including Watton NR hide but we’ll have to wait a while longer for the L-shaped hide replacement.